Discover the history and legend of rome’s turtle fountain

the fontana delle tartarughe, also known as the turtle fountain, is a beautiful fountain located in the heart of rome’s jewish ghetto. the fountain is a gem of the late italian renaissance and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. in this guide, we will explore the history, legend, and architecture of the turtle fountain, as well as provide tips for visiting this iconic landmark.

the iconography of the turtle fountain

the turtle fountain is known for its carvings of turtles, which give the fountain its name. these turtles are said to symbolize the ancient roman goddess tiberinus, who was the god of the tiber river. the fountain also features other sculptures, including a central statue of a young boy riding a dolphin.

the history of the turtle fountain

the turtle fountain was built in the late 16th century, between 1581 and 1588. it was commissioned by pope gregory xiii, who wanted to provide a source of fresh water for the residents of the jewish ghetto. the fountain was designed by the architect giacomo della porta and sculpted by taddeo landini.

the legend of the turtle fountain

there is a popular legend that surrounds the turtle fountain which states that the turtles that decorate the fountain are a symbol of the mattei family. the legend says that the mattei family was cursed by pope gregory xiii, who was angry that they refused to sell him their palace. the curse caused the mattei’s to turn into turtles and live in the fountain forever.

the location of the turtle fountain

the turtle fountain is located in piazza mattei, a beautiful square in the heart of rome’s historic center. the fountain is situated in the sant’angelo district, close to the old jewish quarter. the fountain is also near other landmarks such as torre argentina and piazza venezia.

the architecture of the turtle fountain

the turtle fountain is a late renaissance-style fountain. the fountain is made of travertine marble and features a central statue of a young boy riding a dolphin. the fountain is surrounded by four smaller statues, each depicting a turtle. the fountain also features intricate carvings of fruits and foliage.

the water source of the turtle fountain

the water for the turtle fountain comes from the acquedotto felice, an ancient roman aqueduct. the aqueduct was built in the 16th century and is still in use today, providing fresh water to many of rome’s fountains.

the name of the turtle fountain

the official name of the fountain is the fontana delle tartarughe, which means “the turtle fountain” in italian.

the year of construction of the turtle fountain

the turtle fountain was built between 1581 and 1588.

the address of the turtle fountain

the address of the turtle fountain is piazza mattei, 00186 rome.

the turtle fountain’s surrounding area

the turtle fountain is located in a charming and historic area of rome, surrounded by beautiful palaces and charming streets. visitors to the fountain can also explore the nearby jewish ghetto, a historic area of the city with a rich cultural heritage. the fountain is also near other landmarks such as torre argentina and piazza venezia, which are worth visiting as well.

tips for visiting the turtle fountain

the best time to visit the turtle fountain is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the square is less crowded.
be aware that the fountain is located in a busy area, so be prepared for crowds and noise.
the fountain is surrounded by many charming cafes and restaurants, so it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink after visiting the fountain.

conclusion

the turtle fountain is a beautiful and historic fountain located in the heart of rome’s jewish ghetto. the fountain is a gem of the late italian renaissance and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. visitors can explore the fountain’s history, legend, and architecture, as well as enjoy the charming surrounding area. as a call to action, we invite you to book a luxury apartment on our website to fully enjoy your visit to the turtle fountain and rome.