Pope Innocence X Pamphilj authorised work on the removal of the obelisk from the Circo Massenzio and its placement in Piazza Navona, according to Bernini’s project. Around this monolinth were placed four white marble statues, five metres tall which represented.
The first was by Claude Poussin and was dedicated to the Ganges, symbolising Asia; the Nile, representing Africa, was carved by Giacomo Antonio Fancelli, its veiled head standing for the up till then unknown source of the river, the Danube for Europe, carved by Antonio Raggi and finally the Rio de la Plata, representing America by Francesco Baratta. rivers. Where: Piazza Navona Read more…
Luglio 11th, 2008
Categories: History, fountains . Author: admin . Comments: No Comments
Built by James Rainaldi from 1644 to 1650 is now the headquarters of the Brazil Embassy. On the top floor some frescoes by Giacinto Gimignani and students in the Halls of Joseph the Jewish, of Moses, of Roman History, Agostino Tassi in the Hall of the Marine, by Andrea Camassei in the Hall of Bacchus, by Giacinto Brandi in the Hall of Ovid, by Pietro da Cortona in the hall, by Gaspard Dughet in the Hall of the Countries.
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Luglio 11th, 2008
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The Fountain of Neptune already called Fountain of Calderai, is a fountain which is located in Piazza Navona, not to be confused with the same name Fountain of Neptune by Giuseppe Valadier in Piazza del Popolo.The fountain was built in 1576 on drawings by Giacomo della Porta, also author of the basin of Fontana del Moro, located at the opposite of the square.
He took the current name following the addition of two sculptural groups, “Le Neredei with cherubs and sea horses” of Gregorio Zappalà and “Neptune fight against an octopus” of Antonio della Bitta, which took place at the end of 800 and wanted to create a stylistic consonance with the other two fountains at Piazza Navona.
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Luglio 11th, 2008
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After the entrance you go into the castle through the ramp twisted rediscovered in 1800. 125.5 meters long, the ramp go up with mild slope making an entire lap perimeter. Then take left to the ramp that gives access to the central part of the fortress through the drawbridge. Walking you arrive in the Hall of the Urns, traditionally considered the one in which the remains of the Adriano emperor were laid. Going left you reach the Courtyard of Honor, where is the Statue of Arcangelo Michele with the sword, a work by Raphael Montelupo. Read more…
Luglio 11th, 2008
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Tre Scalini established in 1882 in Piazza Navona, is the most famous cafe on the square, although it is too tourist ridden for most tastes in Rome.
Literally hundreds of people go here every day to sample the tartufo (ice cream disguised with a coating of bittersweet chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream Read more…
Giugno 20th, 2008
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This fountain, erected in 1574 following the plans of Giacomo della Porta during the reign of Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni, was completely restored in 1653 by Bernini who had received orders from Pope Innocence X Pamphilj. During the restoration of 1874 the four Tritons and the four masks were substituted with copies by Luigi Amici (the originals may be found in Municipal deposits). Read more…
Giugno 20th, 2008
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The Piazza Navona square was built exactly on the area of emperor Domitian’s stadium (81-96 AD), and retains the stadium’s oblong shape with a rounded north end. It was the largest in ancient Rome, larger than the Coliseum, and could seat 50,000 spectators.
The name of the stadium was “Circus Agonalis” (competition arena), which became corrupted to “n’Agona”, and eventually “Navona”. Thanks to hydraulic engineering, naval battles engaging up to 3,000 antagonists were performed (they were called “naumachiae”).The stadium later became a baroque jewel, with masterpieces of Bernini (the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of the Moor), Calderari (the Fountain of Neptune) and Borromini (the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone).
Ruins of the ancient stadium can still be seen under the palaces (please see the bottom photo). Today the Piazza strikes visitors for its harmony and colours, combined with its elegance and charm. Varied people stroll or attend the piazza. One can find tourists, intellectuals, kids playing, freaks and elegant “signori, painters and artists selling their works right in the square.
The kaleidoscopic, lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere blending history, art, and love for life, i.e. the peculiar Roman character, reaches possibly its highest level, making the Eternal City such a magical place. Read more…
Giugno 20th, 2008
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