It is one of the most important works of the late Baroque in Rome. The architect Nicola Salvi, who had won a public competition, was commissioned by Pope Clement XII ( 1730-40 ) to build it.
The fountain was inaugurated for the first time in 1740 under Benedict XIV and then when it was finished in 1762 under Pope Clement XIII. It is oriented southwards so that the sun always illuminates it and it is fed by the old aqueduct of Acqua Vergine.
The fountain was inaugurated for the first time in 1740 under Benedict XIV and then when it was finished in 1762 under Pope Clement XIII. It is oriented southwards so that the sun always illuminates it and it is fed by the old aqueduct of Acqua Vergine.
In the center, in the niche, the figure of Neptune advances on a chariot shaped like a shell, drawn by two winged horses; nearby are tritons and on both sides the two female figures, a symbol of plenty and healthiness.
The Fountains of Rome
Besides the great exuberant fountains, there are many secret fountains in courtyards and also small fountains at the corners of streets ( especially in Trastevere ) where the water spouts from lions’ mouths and from “mascheroni”, grotesque stone masks. It seems that the ancient city had two hundred and twelve fountains. The modern ones are for the most port Baroque and identify the movement of water with the sense of life.
