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15 December 202413 December 2024

The lion statue in the Fountain of the Four Rivers

Conosci Roma ed i suoi monumenti? Aggiungi un tuo commento oppure vai nella parte bassa del sito per leggere cosa hanno scritto gli altri visitatori.

The lion statue in the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
In the beating heart of Rome, Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in the eternal city. At the center of this baroque square stands the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers, one of the most famous works by the master Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Among the many figures that adorn this fountain, the lion is an element that particularly captures the attention of visitors, symbolizing strength and majesty in an artistic context of extraordinary beauty.
Built between 1648 and 1651 on commission by Pope Innocent X, the Fountain of the Four Rivers is a masterpiece of baroque art. The fountain represents the four great rivers of the four continents known at the time: the Nile for Africa, the Ganges for Asia, the Danube for Europe and the Rio de la Plata for the Americas. Each river is personified by a colossal statue that expresses the characteristics of its respective continent.
The lion, located next to the representation of the Nile River, is a figure that embodies power and royalty. Depicted while drinking from the waters of the fountain, the lion symbolizes the life that springs from water, an essential element for human and animal existence. The choice of the lion is not accidental: in Christian symbolism and iconography of the time, the lion also represents resurrection and spiritual strength.
Bernini's lion is sculpted with meticulous attention to detail, which enhances its majesty and vividness. The powerful paws, the flowing mane and the intense expression of the face make this sculpture a perfect example of Bernini's mastery in transforming marble into life. The posture of the lion, captured in the act of drinking, adds a sense of movement and realism that helps make the entire fountain a dynamic and fascinating work.
The lion of the Fontana dei Fiumi has a significant cultural impact, representing not only a decorative element but also a powerful symbol that evokes the grandeur and richness of nature. Its presence in Piazza Navona, a meeting and celebration place for Romans and tourists, underlines the importance of art as a means of communicating universal values and enriching the collective experience of urban space.

The lion of the Fountain of the Rivers is an eloquent testimony to the artistic genius of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his ability to breathe life into marble. This symbol of strength and majesty, placed in one of the most fascinating contexts of Rome, continues to fascinate and inspire visitors from all over the world. The Fountain of the Rivers, with its imposing lion, remains one of the undisputed masterpieces of Roman Baroque, a place where art and history merge in an eternal dance of beauty and meaning.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

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Here's where the fountain is located:

a lion on the eastern side that emerges, like the horse, from the cavity in the rocks to drink at the foot of an African palm tree (made by Giobatta Palombo in 1650) that rises up to the base of the obelisk
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The lion statue in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in the square called Navona in Rome – La statue du lion dans la Fontaine des Quatre Fleuves sur la place Navona à Rome – La estatua del león en la Fuente de los Cuatro Ríos en la plaza llamada Navona en Roma – A estátua do leão na Fonte dos Quatro Rios, na praça chamada Navona, em Roma – Die Löwenstatue im Vierströmebrunnen auf dem Platz namens Navona in Rom – Tượng sư tử tại Đài phun nước Bốn con sông ở quảng trường Navona ở Rome

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

15 October 202412 October 2024

The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona in Rome

La Fontana del Nettuno in piazza Navona a Roma

The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona in Rome.
I still have some photos of some monuments of Rome from my last visit to the capital.
These three photos are of the beautiful fountain located in Piazza Navona.
Probably overshadowed by the larger and more famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, it is still worthy of a post of mine!

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

To see all the photos I took in Rome click here:

Here's where the fountain is located:

The Fountain of Neptune is located at the northern end of Piazza Navona in Rome. Also known, once, as the Fountain of the Calderai, it owed this name to its proximity to the ancient Vicolo dei Calderai (or Calderari), a small street occupied by the shops of blacksmiths and sellers of pans, pots and metal dishes in general. The basin, by Giacomo della Porta, dates back to 1575-76, while the sculptures that decorate it were placed only in 1878, by the sculptors Antonio Della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà.
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The Fountain of Neptune in the Navona square in Rome – La fontaine de Neptune sur la place Navone à Rome – La Fuente de Neptuno en la plaza Navona de Roma – A Fonte de Netuno na Praça Navona, em Roma – Der Neptunbrunnen auf dem Navona-Platz in Rom – Đài phun nước Neptune ở quảng trường Navona ở Rome – 罗马纳沃纳广场的海王星喷泉 – ローマのナヴォーナ広場にあるネプチューンの噴水

21 September 202421 September 2024

The imposing Obelisk of Montecitorio in Rome

L'imponente Obelisco di Montecitorio a Roma

The imposing Obelisk of Montecitorio in Rome.
In the heart of Rome, among the majestic streets and historic buildings, stands an imposing testimony to the glorious past of ancient Egypt: the Obelisk of Montecitorio. This ancient monument, dating back to the 6th century BC, continues to enchant visitors and residents with its beauty and fascinating history.
The obelisk, also known as the Obelisk of Psammetichus II, has passed through millennia of history before finding its current home in the Piazza di Montecitorio, in front of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. Originally erected in Heliopolis, the obelisk was transported to Rome in 10 BC at the behest of Emperor Augustus. Since then, it has witnessed a succession of emperors, popes and governments, becoming a silent witness to the changes and events that have shaped the eternal city.
Standing approximately 21.79 meters tall, the obelisk is an impressive structure made of red Egyptian granite. Its surfaces are decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions that celebrate the pharaoh Psamtik II, emphasizing his greatness and power. These ancient symbols communicate the magnificence of ancient Egypt and its lasting influence on Roman culture and art.
Today, the Obelisk of Montecitorio continues to capture the imagination of visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with the glorious past of Rome and ancient Egypt. Its presence in the Piazza di Montecitorio adds a touch of mystery and charm to the city's skyline, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its thousand-year history.
If you are in Rome, do not miss the opportunity to admire this extraordinary treasure of antiquity. Take a stroll through the Piazza di Montecitorio and be fascinated by the magnificence of the Obelisk of Montecitorio, a tangible symbol of the indelible bond between Rome and the ancient Egyptian world.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

To see all the photos I took in Rome click here:

Here is where the obelisk is located:

The obelisk of Montecitorio, currently located in the square of the same name in the Capital, is one of the thirteen ancient obelisks of Rome. It is 30 meters high and was brought to Rome by Augustus in 10 BC. The obelisk of Monte Citorio, already present at the time of Pharaoh Psammetichus II (595-589 BC), was originally located in the city of Heliopolis in Egypt.
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The imposing Obelisk of Montecitorio in Rome – L’imposant obélisque de Montecitorio à Rome – El imponente Obelisco de Montecitorio en Roma – O imponente Obelisco de Montecitorio em Roma – Der imposante Obelisk von Montecitorio in Rom – Obelisk hùng vĩ của Montecitorio ở Rome – 罗马雄伟的蒙特西托里奥方尖碑 – ローマのモンテチトリオの堂々としたオベリスク

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

8 September 20246 September 2024

The fountain with the obelisk in front of the Pantheon in Rome

La fontana con l'obelisco di fronte al Pantheon a Roma

The fountain with the obelisk in front of the Pantheon in Rome.
Welcome to the enchanting square in front of the Pantheon, where antiquity merges with art and beauty. In addition to the majesty of the Pantheon and the imposing obelisk, the square is home to one of the most fascinating fountains in Rome.
The Pantheon Fountain: Located in the center of the square, the Pantheon Fountain captures the eye with its elegance. Designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575, the fountain features a circular basin with an obelisk in the center, combining classical Roman aesthetics with the grandeur of the Egyptian obelisk.
The water flows gently along the walls of the basin, creating a soothing sound that accompanies visitors on their journey through time. Dolphin statuettes, symbols of sea gods, decorate the fountain, adding a touch of grace and mythology to the view.
An oasis of tranquility: The Pantheon Fountain offers a refuge of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of the eternal city. Visitors can sit by the fountain, admire the Pantheon in the background and enjoy the beauty around them.
Union of Cultures: The presence of the fountain, the obelisk and the Pantheon reflects the cultural eclecticism that characterizes the history of Rome. Elements from different civilizations blend harmoniously in this space, celebrating the diversity and mutual influence of ancient cultures.
Capture lasting memories: The square in front of the Pantheon becomes a perfect place to immortalize special moments. With the Pantheon in the background, the fountain and the obelisk create a unique setting that will enchant photographers and visitors, capturing the magic of Rome in every shot.

Visiting the Pantheon is not only a journey through history, but also a sensory experience that embraces art, architecture and nature. Discovering the square with its obelisk, the Pantheon Fountain and the iconic temple is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rome.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

This is the official website of the site: pantheonroma.com.

Here is where the remains of the temple are located:

At the beginning of the 7th century, the Pantheon was donated by the Eastern Emperor Phocas to Pope Boniface IV and was converted into a Christian basilica called Santa Maria della Rotonda or Santa Maria ad Martyres, which allowed it to survive almost intact the spoliations suffered by other buildings of classical Rome. It enjoys the rank of minor basilica and is the only basilica in Rome other than the patriarchal ones to still have a chapter. The inhabitants of Rome popularly called it the Rotonna (“the Rotunda”), from which also derive the name of the square and the street in front.
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The fountain with the obelisk in front of the Pantheon in Rome – La fontaine avec l’obélisque devant le Panthéon de Rome – La fuente con el obelisco frente al Panteón de Roma – A fonte com o obelisco em frente ao Panteão de Roma – Der Brunnen mit dem Obelisken vor dem Pantheon in Rom – Đài phun nước với đài tưởng niệm phía trước đền Pantheon ở Rome – 罗马万神殿前有方尖碑的喷泉 – ローマのパンテオン前のオベリスクのある噴水

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

6 September 202425 November 2024

The Trevi Fountain: A Masterpiece of Roman Baroque

La fontana di Trevi: un capolavoro del Barocco romano.
La Fontana di Trevi è uno dei monumenti più iconici di Roma e una delle fontane più famose al mondo. Situata nel cuore della città eterna, questa maestosa opera d’arte attira milioni di visitatori ogni anno, affascinati dalla sua bellezza e dalla sua storia.
La fontana fu progettata dall’architetto Nicola Salvi e completata da Giuseppe Pannini nel 1762. La sua costruzione fu commissionata da Papa Clemente XII nel 1732, con l’intento di celebrare il restauro dell’antico acquedotto dell’Acqua Vergine, che risale all’epoca dell’imperatore Augusto. Questo acquedotto forniva acqua pura alla città di Roma e la fontana rappresenta il punto terminale di questo sistema idrico.
La Fontana di Trevi è un capolavoro del tardo barocco, caratterizzata da una ricca decorazione scultorea che rappresenta il mare. Al centro della fontana si erge la statua di Oceano, opera di Pietro Bracci, che guida un cocchio a forma di conchiglia trainato da cavalli marini. Intorno a lui, figure mitologiche e creature marine completano la scena, creando un effetto di movimento e dinamismo.
La fontana è incastonata nella facciata di Palazzo Poli, che funge da sfondo monumentale. Le decorazioni includono numerose piante e specie vegetali scolpite nel marmo, che aggiungono un tocco di realismo e naturalezza all’opera.

Una delle tradizioni più famose legate alla Fontana di Trevi è quella di lanciare una moneta nell’acqua. Si dice che chi lancia una moneta nella fontana, voltandosi di spalle, tornerà sicuramente a Roma. Ogni anno, vengono raccolti circa 1,5 milioni di euro in monete, che vengono devoluti alla Caritas per aiutare i bisognosi.
Nel corso degli anni, la Fontana di Trevi ha subito diversi interventi di restauro per preservarne la bellezza e l’integrità. L’ultimo grande restauro è stato completato nel 2015, grazie al finanziamento della casa di moda Fendi, che ha contribuito con 2,2 milioni di euro.

The Trevi Fountain is not only one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome, but also a symbol of the city's rich history and culture. With its magnificence and traditions, it continues to enchant and fascinate visitors from all over the world.

Have you ever visited the Trevi Fountain or are you planning to? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is also a nice video of the fountain:

Videos recorded with Gopro Hero 10 Black.

Click here to see all the photos of Rome:

The Trevi Fountain is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome. Built on the facade of Palazzo Poli by Nicola Salvi, the competition announced by Pope Clement XII in 1731 was initially won by the French sculptor Lambert-Sigisbert Adam but the assignment was subsequently passed to Salvi.
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The Trevi Fountain: A Masterpiece of Roman Baroque – La Fontaine de Trevi : un chef-d’œuvre du baroque romain – La Fontana de Trevi: una obra maestra del barroco romano – A Fonte de Trevi: uma obra-prima do barroco romano – Der Trevi-Brunnen: ein Meisterwerk des römischen Barocks – Đài phun nước Trevi: kiệt tác của thời La Mã Baroque

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.viaggiamo.it/fontana-di-trevi-storia-descrizione
– https://arteinbreve.it/la-fontana-di-trevi-breve-spiegazione
– https://www.archeoroma.it/siti/fontana-di-trevi/
– https://www.scopriroma.com/fontana-di-trevi

17 August 202418 July 2024

Discovering the Obelisk of Minerva

Alla Scoperta dell'Obelisco della Minerva: Un Tesoro Nascosto a Roma

Discovering the Obelisk of Minerva
Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of history and culture that reveals itself at every corner. Among the wonders that fascinate visitors from all over the world, there is a little-known jewel that stands majestically near the famous Piazza della Minerva: the Obelisk of Minerva.
The obelisk, which is over 5 meters tall, was originally carved in Ancient Egypt and placed in the Temple of Isis in Sais. However, its journey to Rome took place only in 1667, when Pope Alexander VII decided to place it in front of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned to create a decorative base to support the obelisk.
The base of the obelisk is adorned with an elephant, a brilliant work by Bernini. This majestic animal supports the obelisk with its strong back, and every detail is made with extraordinary precision. The choice of the elephant as a support symbolizes strength and stability.
The presence of the obelisk in front of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is not accidental. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, is represented inside the church, and the obelisk underlines the importance of this mythological figure.
If you have the opportunity to visit Rome, do not miss the opportunity to admire this masterpiece. Stroll through the Piazza della Minerva, admire the extraordinary fusion between the ancient and the baroque, and discover the unique details that make this place so special.
The Obelisk of Minerva is more than just a monument; it is a fascinating piece of Rome’s history. Next time you find yourself in the Eternal City, stop by and be enchanted by the beauty and history this extraordinary place has to offer.

Have you ever seen this obelisk? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

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Where is the monument located:

The Obelisk of Minerva is one of the nine Egyptian obelisks of Rome, located in the Piazza della Minerva (the square of the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva). The obelisk is positioned on the back of a marble elephant, sculpted by Ercole Ferrata based on a design by Bernini in 1667; the entire monumental complex is also popularly known as the Pulcin della Minerva: “pulcino” in the dialect of the time meant “porcino”, referring to the elephant “for its small size and round shape”.
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Discovering the Minerva Obelisk: a hidden treasure in Rome – À la découverte de l’Obélisque de Minerve : un trésor caché à Rome – Descubriendo el Obelisco de Minerva: un tesoro escondido en Roma – Descobrindo o Obelisco de Minerva: um tesouro escondido em Roma – Entdecken Sie den Minerva-Obelisken: einen verborgenen Schatz in Rom – Khám phá Minerva Obelisk: kho báu ẩn giấu ở Rome – 发现密涅瓦方尖碑：罗马隐藏的宝藏 – ミネルヴァオベリスクの発見: ローマの隠された宝物

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

1 August 20241 August 2024

The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Il soffitto absidale di Santa Maria sopra Minerva a Roma

The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.
Santa Maria sopra Minerva is one of the most important churches in Rome and is located near the Pantheon, in the Pigna district. Built in the 13th century by the Dominican Friars, it is one of the rare examples of Gothic architecture in Rome, famous for its history, art and architecture.
The basilica stands on a site that was previously occupied by a pagan temple, initially attributed to the goddess Minerva, but which was actually dedicated to Isis. The name "sopra Minerva" derives from this ancient belief. The construction of the Gothic church began in 1280 and was completed at the beginning of the 14th century. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous modifications and restorations, while maintaining its Gothic character.

The interior of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is richly decorated and maintains its original Gothic structure. It has a three-nave plan with pointed arches and vaulted ceilings. The side aisles house several richly decorated chapels with important works of art.

The apse ceiling is particularly impressive, with a ribbed vault richly decorated with bright colors and intricate patterns. In the center of the apse is a large painting depicting religious scenes, which helps create a solemn and evocative atmosphere.

Other Elements of Interest are: the Funeral Monument of Saint Catherine of Siena (Saint Catherine of Siena is buried in the basilica, and her tomb is a place of great devotion) and Bernini's Elephant (in the square in front of the church there is an Egyptian obelisk supported by a statue of an elephant, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini; this monument is commonly known as the “Pulcino della Minerva”).

Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a place of great historical, artistic and religious importance, representing a unique example in the Roman architectural panorama for its Gothic style and the numerous works of art it houses.

Do you know the monuments of Rome? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here I leave you the official website of the basilica: santamariasopraminerva.it.

To see all the photos I took in Rome click here:

Here is where the basilica is located:

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (in Latin basilica Sanctæ Mariæ supra Minervam) is a minor basilica in Rome located in the Pigna district, in Piazza della Minerva, near the Pantheon. It is one of the very few examples of Gothic architecture in Rome. The basilica houses the remains of several important figures including Catherine of Siena, proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970, the mystic painter Beato Angelico, proclaimed "Universal Patron of Artists" in 1984 and Pope Benedict XIII. Inside it preserves valuable works of art including frescoes by Melozzo da Forlì and Filippino Lippi.
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The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome – Le plafond de l’abside de Santa Maria sopra Minerva à Rome – El techo del ábside de Santa María sopra Minerva en Roma – O teto da abside de Santa Maria sopra Minerva em Roma – Die Apsisdecke von Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rom – Trần nhà của Santa Maria sopra Minerva ở Rome

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

23 July 202423 July 2024

The statue of the Nile in the Fountain of the Four Rivers

La statua del Nilo nella Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi a Roma

The Nile statue in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most famous works of the famous Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is located in the Piazza Navona in Rome and was commissioned by Pope Innocent X (born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj) in 1648. The fountain is located in the center of the square and is a masterpiece of Baroque art.
The fountain takes its name from the four rivers represented in the four giant statues located at the base of the central tower. These four rivers are symbols of four of the then known continents: the Nile for Africa, the Ganges for Asia, the Danube for Europe and the Rio de la Plata for the Americas. The statues are made of marble and each is accompanied by an animal or symbol characteristic of the region it represents.
At the center of the fountain is an Egyptian obelisk, an architectural element that was transferred from Ancient Rome to the square by order of Pope Innocent X. The obelisk is crowned by the dove of peace and topped by a gilded bronze globe. This element gives the fountain a remarkable height and grandeur.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is an impressive work that masterfully mixes art, architecture and symbolism, as often happens in Bernini's works. Its creation required a considerable effort of engineering, and the result is one of the most admired and iconic attractions in Rome.

Do you know Rome and its monuments? Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Click here to see all the photos of Rome:

Here's where the fountain is located:

Bernini’s giants move in gestures full of life and with an irrepressible expressive exuberance. The Nile covers its face with a drapery, referring to the obscurity of its sources, which remained unknown until the end of the 19th century.
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The statue of the Nile in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome – La statue du Nil dans la Fontaine des Quatre Fleuves à Rome – La estatua del Nilo en la Fuente de los Cuatro Ríos en Roma – A estátua do Nilo na Fonte dos Quatro Rios em Roma – Die Nilstatue im Vierströmebrunnen in Rom – Tượng sông Nile tại Đài phun nước Bốn con sông ở Rome – 罗马四河喷泉中的尼罗河雕像 – ローマの四大河の噴水にあるナイル川の像

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

9 July 202428 March 2024

The columns of the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum

Le colonne del tempio di Saturno nel Foro Romano

The columns of the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum
The Temple of Saturn (Latin: Templum Saturni) was an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and wealth. It was located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in the western part of the Roman Forum. Its construction dates back to the 5th century BC, but the building we see today dates mainly from the period of the Roman Republic, with some modifications made over the following centuries.
The temple was known for its rich decoration and the famous statue of Saturn inside. The statue of Saturn was traditionally tied and during the Saturnalia festival, which took place in December, the rope was symbolically loosened to represent the release of restrictions.
The current structure of the temple is very partial, with only some remains of the columns and foundations. However, some original columns are still standing, giving an idea of the size and elegance of the building. The ancient part of the Temple of Saturn has been integrated with some later reconstructions, and the exact appearance of the temple has been the subject of debate among archaeologists.
Il Foro Romano, in cui si trova il Tempio di Saturno, è una delle zone archeologiche più importanti e visitate di Roma, offrendo ai visitatori una visione affascinante della vita nella Roma antica attraverso i suoi templi, basiliche, e strutture pubbliche.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

This is the official website of the site: colosseo.it.

Here is where the remains of the temple are located:

The Roman Forum (in Latin Forum Romanum, although the Romans more often referred to it as Forum Magnum or simply Forum) is an archaeological area of Rome enclosed between the Palatine, the Capitoline Hill, Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Colosseum, made up of the stratification of the remains of those buildings and monuments from heterogeneous eras that for much of the ancient history of Rome represented the political, legal, religious and economic centre of the city of Rome, as well as the nerve centre of the entire Roman civilisation.
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The columns of the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum – Les colonnes du Temple de Saturne dans le Forum Romain – Las columnas del Templo de Saturno en el Foro Romano – As colunas do Templo de Saturno no Fórum Romano – Die Säulen des Saturntempels im Forum Romanum – Các cột của Đền thờ Sao Thổ trong Diễn đàn La Mã – 罗马广场土星神庙的柱子 – フォロ・ロマーノのサトゥルヌス神殿の柱

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

27 May 202428 March 2024

The statue of the Ganges in the Fountain of the Rivers

La statua del Gange nella Fontana dei Fiumi a Roma

The statue of the Ganges in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most famous works of the famous Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is located in the Piazza Navona in Rome and was commissioned by Pope Innocent X (born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj) in 1648. The fountain is located in the center of the square and is a masterpiece of Baroque art.
The fountain takes its name from the four rivers represented in the four giant statues located at the base of the central tower. These four rivers are symbols of four of the then known continents: the Nile for Africa, the Ganges for Asia, the Danube for Europe and the Rio de la Plata for the Americas. The statues are made of marble and each is accompanied by an animal or symbol characteristic of the region it represents.
At the center of the fountain is an Egyptian obelisk, an architectural element that was transferred from Ancient Rome to the square by order of Pope Innocent X. The obelisk is crowned by the dove of peace and topped by a gilded bronze globe. This element gives the fountain a remarkable height and grandeur.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is an impressive work that masterfully mixes art, architecture and symbolism, as often happens in Bernini's works. Its creation required a considerable effort of engineering, and the result is one of the most admired and iconic attractions in Rome.

Do you know Rome and its monuments? Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Click here to see all the photos of Rome:

Here's where the fountain is located:

Bernini’s giants move in gestures full of life and with an irrepressible expressive exuberance. The Ganges holds a long oar that suggests the navigability of the river. The sculptor seeks a more careful study of the movements and expressions, which the artist varies to the maximum.
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