Fountain of the Four Rivers

Explore Rome's iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, a Baroque masterpiece by Bernini symbolizing global power and artistry in Italy.

Overview

At the heart of Rome's bustling Piazza Navona stands the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), a breathtaking masterpiece of Baroque artistry. Designed by the visionary Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this iconic fountain is not merely a water feature but a grand sculptural ensemble that commands attention and tells a rich story of power, faith, and artistic genius. It serves as a central jewel in one of Rome's most celebrated public spaces, drawing visitors from across the globe to admire its intricate details and dynamic presence.

The fountain features colossal marble figures personifying the four major rivers of the continents known in the 17th century: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia), and the Río de la Plata (the Americas). These powerful figures are dramatically arranged around a towering ancient Roman obelisk, which rests upon a rocky travertine base, creating a theatrical and visually stunning composition.

History & Cultural Background

The Fountain of the Four Rivers was commissioned by Pope Innocent X Pamphilj, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, overlooked Piazza Navona. The Pope sought to transform the piazza into a monumental urban center reflecting the grandeur of his papacy and family. Construction took place between 1648 and 1651.

Initially, Bernini was excluded from the competition for the fountain's design due to his close association with the previous papal regime. However, through a clever maneuver, a silver model of his proposed fountain was strategically placed for Pope Innocent X to see. Upon witnessing Bernini's innovative design, the Pope reportedly exclaimed that the only way to avoid employing Bernini was not to see his designs, and promptly awarded him the commission.

Piazza Navona itself holds a deep historical significance, built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which dates back to 86 AD. The piazza’s distinctive elongated oval shape faithfully preserves the footprint of this ancient athletic arena. In Baroque Rome, fountains like this one were not only sources of water but also served as symbols of papal generosity and power, transforming public spaces into grand artistic statements.

What Makes It Special

What makes the Fountain of the Four Rivers truly special is Bernini's unparalleled ability to fuse architecture and sculpture into a vibrant, unified narrative. The fountain's design was groundbreaking for its time, with the massive obelisk seemingly balanced precariously on a hollow, grotto-like rock formation. This ingenious engineering allowed for the dynamic flow of water through various crevices and cascades, creating a sense of natural vitality and constant movement.

The interplay of light, water, and sculpted forms creates a multi-sensory experience, transforming the fountain into a living theater in the round. Every detail, from the expressive faces of the river gods to the meticulously carved animals and plants, contributes to a rich tapestry of symbolism and artistry. It masterfully conveys the Catholic Church's global reach and the Pope's authority extending across the continents.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Each of the four river gods is imbued with distinct characteristics and symbolic elements:

• The Nile (Africa): Its head is veiled, a symbolic representation of the fact that the river's source was unknown to the Western world at the time of the fountain's creation. Accompanying it are a lion and a palm tree.
• The Danube (Europe): Represented by a powerful figure reaching towards the papal coat of arms, signifying Europe's proximity and importance to Rome and papal authority. A horse is carved alongside this figure.
• The Ganges (Asia): Holds a long oar, alluding to the navigability of its waters, and is often depicted with an exotic, elegant figure and a sea serpent.
• The Río de la Plata (the Americas): Accompanied by coins, symbolizing the riches and potential wealth of the New World. Its arm is raised, sometimes interpreted as shielding its eyes from the perceived bright light of Christianity or from the façade of Borromini's church. An armadillo and a land snake are carved nearby.

A popular, though apocryphal, legend suggests that Bernini designed the Nile figure with a veiled head and the Río de la Plata figure with a raised hand to express disdain for the nearby Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed by his rival Francesco Borromini. However, historical evidence indicates that the fountain was completed before Borromini significantly altered the church's façade, making this a delightful but untrue tale of artistic rivalry. Atop the obelisk is a bronze dove with an olive branch, the emblem of the Pamphilj family, signifying peace and the Holy Spirit.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Fountain of the Four Rivers is an immersive experience. As you approach Piazza Navona, the sound of rushing water becomes a prelude to the grandeur that awaits. The fountain dominates the square, inviting visitors to circumnavigate its base, discovering new details and perspectives with each step. Spend time observing the expressive faces of the river gods, the various animals, and the dynamic flow of water. It's a place where you can pause, reflect on centuries of history, and marvel at the artistic legacy of Rome. The fountain's prominent position makes it a natural gathering point, surrounded by other architectural treasures of Piazza Navona, offering a vibrant atmosphere day and night.