All roads lead to Rome.
They say that all roads lead to Rome! I say all roads lead to a fountain in Rome. Did you know that Rome has over 280 fountains? It is not surprising that most tourists only visit the more famous ones, like the Trevi fountain. That is exactly what I did when I visited Rome. Luckily I also stumbled upon other fountains like the one in front of the Pantheon building. In Italian it is called the “Fontana del Pantheon“.
We were on our way to visit the famous Pantheon building when I saw this fountain. There was something odd about it and I couldn´t place my finger on it. Now only I realise it must have been the obelisk that hovers over it. It looks like a skyscraper. It was almost impossible to get a clear shot of the fountain at the time. There are just too many people hanging around it, especially when the weather is good. My advice is to go there in the evening and take your photo. I went back there one evening to do just that.
The Pantheon fountain is a very artistic fountain.
The other thing that was mind boggling were the statues. Four sea creatures are depicted in this fountain.It is very difficult to tell exactly what they are: fish, dolphins or sea monsters. In the front is a seashell.That I could make out. Different types of marble have been used and sadly they are eroding away and many clumsy repair works are evident.
© Photographer: Rostislav Glinsky | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Why are there so many fountains in Rome?
The popes who restored the ancient Roman aqueducts used to build fountains to commemorate their deeds of munificence. As a result fountains of all shapes and sizes and with beautiful decorations can be found the city.
This fountain was designed by Jacopo della Porto in 1575 and built by Leonardo Sormani. People are of opinion that this fountains was merely one more in the production line. I can just imagine some council official deciding one day that fountains had to be designed and sculpted for the people of Rome. That could be the only logical explanation for 280 fountains!
Personally I think one could take a whole day to explore the fountains and obelisks in Rome. I love fountains. There is something special about them.
One of the things that give me great pleasure is to scrutinize my photos and see what caught my eye. Fountains must have been one of them because I have a lot of photos. I remember that the Pantheon made a huge impression on me and compared to that this fountain was not that important. Now only after I have read up about the history I find it very intriguing.
Interesting fact about thes The Pantheon fountain.
The sculptor designed this fountain without knowing where it would be placed nor did he have any idea of the surroundings.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma, Italy.
One can only take one's hat off to the artistry and skill of past times.How they constructed buildings and edifices with basic tools leaves me in a state of wonderment.When İ look back at my photos it is doors that appear to fascinate me:-)
Wow…beautiful and impressive fountains. This is one place full of history and beautiful architecture I'd love to visit one day. A great post 🙂
280 fountains! that's insane! i wish i live in a city with lots of fountains, so lovely!
Oh Nelieta… I had the opportunity to go to the Pantheon, but just like what you said I visited La Fontana di Trevi first :P… and made my wish :PIt's truly amazing how Italy has preserved these ancient temples and fountains… the gargoyles and the angels…the art is truly amazing… as well as the structures, paintings and sculptures.280 fountains, well we counted them all…Your post gave me a big smile…THANK YOU… I miss Italy 😉 … It'll be always in my heart :*
Gorgeous shots! Rome is on my return list!
An odd fountain – I'd certainly go for that too. But we're on the same page, Nelieta. I also love fountains. Must be the sight and sound of flowing water that soothes and refreshes the spirit.
Nelieta,What a romantic city… I love the fountains…. I felt like I just took a personal tour…Beautiful as alwaysxoxoxJessica
oh Nelieta you should do more on Rome as it one of my favourite places I've visited. The lifestyle, architecture and history. I stayed just around from the Pantheon It was so exquisite at night.oh and the food!!! myam A
I think I missed this but did go to Trevi fountains and others, can't remember the names right now.You are right, plenty of fountains can be found at Rome.
Hi Hocam, you are right! They have created masterpieces. Rome especially is a very interesting place with so many hidden treasures.
Hi Jessica, you will not be disappointed. I wish I could go back and stay for a long,long time 🙂
Hi Gay, I love fountains and there are not enough here in Argentina! I think they could introduce 280 here and I will be very happy 🙂
Hi Melissa, glad I made you smile! Rome is absolutely amazing and I envy the people living there. Just imagine all the places they can go to and things they can see. I also made my wish in the Trevi fountain – I will still write about that 🙂
Hi Jess, this was just a small post. I still have so much to write about Rome but I am having a writer´s block at the moment. The weather is also not helping to get my creative juices to flow :(Glad you have enjoyed the personal tour 🙂
Hi Nancie, thank you! I would looovvvveeee to go back!
Hi AJ, there is something magical about fountains. Maybe it is the calming effect of the water but it sure does draw crowds. Everybody wants to be close to the water :)Glad you like it too 🙂
Hi A, you lucky fish! Rome is amazing and I have a lot to write. All in good time my friend…the ice cream is the best in the world!
Hi Nava, imagine I write a blog about all the fountains! I will be publishing a blog a day for the next 279 days…wow!!!
Me too like fountains. We are planing to make one in our garden. I would say to commemorate our hard work to restore the garden ;D
Now, i know the story behind those numerous fountains in Rome. Next time I visit a very popular landmark, I will either go there early in the morning or late at night to get a good shot without a big crowd.
Hi Sailor, that sounds like fun! Please post some photos 🙂
Hi Claire, I found that out the hard way 🙂 During the day they are so crowded and it is impossible to get the people out of the way 🙂
An odd fountain – I'd certainly go for that too. But we're on the same page, Nelieta. I also love fountains. Must be the sight and sound of flowing water that soothes and refreshes the spirit.
280 fountains! that's insane! i wish i live in a city with lots of fountains, so lovely!
Hi Nancie, thank you! I would looovvvveeee to go back!
Hi Melissa, glad I made you smile! Rome is absolutely amazing and I envy the people living there. Just imagine all the places they can go to and things they can see. I also made my wish in the Trevi fountain – I will still write about that 🙂