The Fountains of Rome

Rome ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and not just in Italy. There’s the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City, St. Peter's Square, and so many other fantastic things to see here. But there’s one thing in the city that does not get the attention it deserves. These are the fountains in Rome. Yes, the Trevi Fountain is certainly very popular. But we would like to stress here that there are many other fantastic fountains in Rome too apart from the Trevi that ought to get the attention they deserve.

You might be surprised to know that there is one fountain in almost every square in the city. Some of these fountains are stunning, exquisite. Perfect examples of what Roman art and craftsmanship stands for.

Trevi Fountain

This is the most famous fountain, a picture postcard. This Baroque masterpiece was completed in 1762. You will find tourists thronging the fountain and the lanes around it all through the day. Most of them would throw coins into the pool and make a wish. Traditionally, the wish was a return trip to Rome. However these days, people would wish for everything. There’s no cost for seeing this Roman attraction, except your coin.

Bernini Fountains

Gianlorenzo Bernini (1622-1680) was among the most famous artists in Rome. You will find some of his beautiful marble works at the Museo Borghese. Apart from this, Bernini also sculpted many fountains that are today laid out all across the city. However the most famous of them is the one you will find at Piazza Navona. It is the Four Rivers Fountain. There is also the Fontana della Barcaccia, which is located below the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini’s Fontana del Tritone.

Fontana delle Naiadi

Many people believe that Fountain of the Nymphs or the Fontana delle Naiadi is the finest fountain in the city. There’s a central pool on this large fountain. The Water God, Glaucus, is perched on top of this. There are four nymphs or naiads surrounding Glaucus. This signifies the four water types – lakes, oceans, rivers and underground water.

Fontana delle Tartarughe

You should certainly visit the Fontana delle Tartarughe or the Turtle Fontain, though it is slightly out of the way. It has been designed by Giacomo della Porta. Here you will find four male figures located on dolphins. They are helping small turtles to get into a small pool. This is a nice fountain at Piazza Mattei.