Saturday, 22 December 2012

Hotel Booking Cheap - Rome's Magnificent Fountains - Another Reason to Visit Italy's Eternal City


But some of the most magnificent fountains date to the 18th century Renaissance period which filled Rome with wonderful outdoor art. There are fountains that date as far back as the first century when Rome ruled the world. Rome's world famous fountains are rich with history that is ancient and full of majesty and genius.

The fountains that grace the streets are wonderful displays of artistic talent, rome differs from anywhere else on earth because just as the city itself is a work of art. Fountains in Rome are far from plain and utilitarian, unlike most cities.

But there is plenty of competition for your time in Rome if you do nothing more than go on a tour of its delightful fountains. The Trevi is no doubt the one most recognizable, of the many fountains.

The vision of a mighty Merman (the masculine form of a mermaid) sitting on a huge clamshell and being served by dancing dolphins is one that is often used in advertisements and movies as typical Roman setting. This fountain is a classic example of Baroque artwork as it was expressed at the hands of the master artist Bernini in 1642. An outstanding example of fountain artistry is the Fountain of Triton otherwise known as Fontana del Tritone.

This fountain is called the Barcaccia and the sculpture of a sunken sea vessel set the tone for the use of the Baroque style of art in outdoor sculpture on the streets of Rome. The artist Bernini dominates the fountain works in Rome and his very first in the series is near the Spanish Steps.

Tritons send streams of water into the fountain while a diverse assortment of sea creatures have fun below them, around Neptune. Here you can stop and admire the mighty sea god Neptune being worshiped by his subjects. You can find this fountain in the southern section of the Piazza Navona which is a delightful site to spend some time. Otherwise known as the Fountain of the Moor, bernini's fondness for the sea scenes is also on display at the Fontana del Moro.

This fine example of Roman fountain artwork was added to the piazza in the nineteenth century and it incorporates many of the same personalities as the Fountain of the Moor but they are used in entirely new ways. You won't have walk to but a few steps in the Piazza Navona to admire The Fountain of Neptune.

The dawn of the age of reason is reflected in the design of this fountain which shows two mighty Tritons knelt on the rocks where a basin is the spot from which the water of the fountain flows forth. This beautiful fountain was finished in 1715 and is located between the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Male Fortune. Francesco Bizzaccheri emulated the style of Bernini's artistic vision, maria clearly shows that the artist. The Fontana dei Tritoni located in front of the Church of St.

But it was re-built under the authority of Pope Clement XII in 1751. This is one of the oldest fountains in Rome as it dates back to the first century. Otherwise known as the Trevi Fountain, many would argue well that the classic example of the artistry of Roman fountains is found at the Fontana di Trevi.

As are the gods of Health and Wealth who are in attendance, tritons again are at the bidding of their master. Here we again get to see Neptune but this time riding in a chariot made of a clamshell being drawn by two mighty horses. You can find this not-to-be missed fountain behind the Palace of the Dukes of Poli. The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide and its size is very much part of why it is so beautiful.

It is amusing to note that the encouragement of this tradition not only adds to the culture of the city but amounts to pretty clever marketing as well. Don't worry about the coins as Rome wisely harvests them to benefit the charities of the city. Be sure to throw your three coins in as legend tells us that this offering will cause Neptune to bless you with a return visit to Rome one day. The well known tradition and superstition of throwing coins into the fountain for luck was born at the Trevi Fountain.

Local custom tells that ages ago a kind virgin offered water from the aqueduct at the fountain to help refresh Roman soldiers. The actual water you will let spill on your hand from the fountain comes from the Aqua Vergine aqueduct which is another Roman utility that was named after a legend. The Trevi fountain clearly shows the influence of Bernini as a designer although the actual artist credited with the work is Nicola Salvi.

You will want to see many more, but if you see one or two of these delightful examples of outdoor Roman fountain art. Make sure you include at least a few of the wonderful Roman fountains in your sightseeing, to be sure you will come home from Rome with plenty of great stories to tell as well as wonderful photographs.

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