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The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini was inaugurated in 1651. It was commissioned by Pope Innocent X and is located in the Piazza Navona in Rome. Statues of the fountain symbolize four significant rivers of that time: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Rio de la Plata. Bernini’s masterpiece stands in front of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a work of Borromini.
Things to Know Before Visit the Fountain of the 4 Rivers
What was Bernini’s fee for the 4 Rivers Fountain project?
What is the fine for swimming in the 4 Rivers Fountain?
Is drinking water from the Fountain of the 4 rivers in Rome possible?
What animals are in the Four Rivers fountain?
How old is the obelisk in the center of the Fountain of 4 Rivers?
Is it true that scenes from Angels and Demons were filmed at the Fountain of the 4 Rivers?
In which famous films can you see the Fountain of 4 Rivers?
What are the four rivers represented in the Fountain of the Four Rivers?
History
Bernini is one of the most famous sculptors in history. However, Pope Innocent X preferred to collaborate with Francesco Borromini, while Bernini received support from Urban VIII’s pope. Interestingly, popes Urban VIII and Innocent X conflicted with each other. Bernini created a fountain model, and Innocent X agreed with it and assigned the project to him instead of Borromini.
Originally, the fountain was designed to serve as a source of portable water before the age of indoor plumbing
Pope Innocent X decided to surround a slim Egyptian obelisk with sculptures representing four significant rivers throughout the major continents. The obelisk was surmounted by a dove, a symbol of the church and the Pamphilj family.
See also a Guide to Borromini’s Masterpieces in Rome.
Design
Statues of the fountain symbolize the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Rio de la Plata rivers. Moreover, each statue embodies one of the four continents of that time. Finally, it culminates in the obelisk that stands on a large plinth. This obelisk has a height of almost 35 meters (115 ft).
- The River Ganges of Asia represents the god that looks away from the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agnone, which means a spiritual ignorance of the hedonistic world.
It is important to note that the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agnone was built after the Fountain of The Four Rivers
- The Rio de la Plata of America shows the man who throws his hands up and symbolizes the newly converted lands. There is also a belief that because of the snake’s presence, he has a fear of losing money.
- The Danube of Europe is considered the most cultured among the four gods. The sculpture looks directly at the church and embraces the light of the Lord.
- The Nile of Africa represents the statue with head covered by a piece of cloth, which means that the source of this river was unknown at the time. It also symbolized the ignorance of Christianity.
Flowers and animals surround four marble gods. There, you can see a horse, crocodile, serpent, dolphin, lion, and other animals from the continents of these four rivers.
When the Fountain of the Four Rivers was created, it has been known as the epitome of Baroque design and theatricality
It has a round shape, and each figure represents its own story.
Opposition
There was opposition from the Roman people because of the creation of the fountain. At the time of its construction, Italy was in the grip of a severe famine, and citizens could hardly support their families, while additional taxes for the fountain made them angry.
However, Pope Innocent X built the fountain from 1646 to 1648, and during that time, there were many riots from the Romans.
In September 1648, protesting writers announced: “We don’t want Obelisks and Fountains! It is bread we want. Bread, bread, bread!” on the rocks dedicated to the obelisk’s building. However, Innocent immediately found and arrested the authors of the inscriptions. Moreover, he placed spies to monitor the area of the fountain and protect it.
The Obelisk
The obelisk is made from Aswan granite by order of Emperor Domitian. Initially, it was located at the central wall of the ancient Circus Maximus, which was nearby the Appian Way.
It is not an authentic Egyptian obelisk with hieroglyphics, rather it has a Roman representation
These hieroglyphics tell the hymn about Emperor Domitian. Also, there is a stone pigeon on the top of the obelisk, which is a symbol of Pope Innocent X’s family.
How to Get
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi is located in the Piazza Navona. Previously, the site was known as the Circus Domitian, which was opened in 86 A.D. However, the circus existed until the 4th century.
Piazza Navona is one of the main sites of the Eternal City. The Four Rivers fountain has a rich history and impresses with its beautiful décor. If you want to live near this masterpiece in the city’s famous square, read more about the best hotels in the Piazza Navona.
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