The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola is one of the most romantic fountains in Rome and is known as the "Big Fountain". It was built in the early 1600's and was constructed in the Baroque style. The two architects most responsible for the building of Fontana dell'Acqua Paola are Flaminio Ponzio (1560-1613) and Giovanni Fontana (1524-1587). Pope Paul V commissioned the three year construction of this fountain to commemorate the reconstruction of the ancient Trojan Aqueduct. It was also built to be a water supply to the Gianicolo area, now known as Trastevere.
The fountain clearly resembles the style of Rome in many ways. First, it has five arches, representing the Triumphal Arches of Rome. Each arch also has an accompanying waterfall, as well as three additional waterfalls located in the central niches. In 1690, Giovanni Fontana added to the fountain, creating the basin that the water flows into. At the top of the fountain, there stand two angels holding the papal crest, and at the very ends, dragons and eagles guard the fountain. The dragons represent power and excellence, while the eagles represent freedom and history. The water flowing from this fountain reminds the viewer of the many ways in which water is transported to the city, but also reminds us of the life water brings to a city.
Works Cited
"- Fontana Dell'Acqua Paola "Er Fontanone" -." ItalyGuides.it: Fontana Dell'Acqua Paola Also Called "Er Fontanone" N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
"Fontana Dell’Acqua Paola – Hike for the View." Rome Tips by Locals.
N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
The fountain clearly resembles the style of Rome in many ways. First, it has five arches, representing the Triumphal Arches of Rome. Each arch also has an accompanying waterfall, as well as three additional waterfalls located in the central niches. In 1690, Giovanni Fontana added to the fountain, creating the basin that the water flows into. At the top of the fountain, there stand two angels holding the papal crest, and at the very ends, dragons and eagles guard the fountain. The dragons represent power and excellence, while the eagles represent freedom and history. The water flowing from this fountain reminds the viewer of the many ways in which water is transported to the city, but also reminds us of the life water brings to a city.
Works Cited
"- Fontana Dell'Acqua Paola "Er Fontanone" -." ItalyGuides.it: Fontana Dell'Acqua Paola Also Called "Er Fontanone" N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
"Fontana Dell’Acqua Paola – Hike for the View." Rome Tips by Locals.
N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.