when thinking of rome, one might imagine ancient ruins, delicious pasta, and charming cobblestone streets. but did you know that the city is also home to a collection of beautiful and unique fountains designed by the architect and sculptor pietro lombardi? in this guide, we will take a tour of the fountains of pietro lombardi scattered throughout the districts of rome, from the fontana delle anfore in piazza testaccio to the fontana delle tiare in largo del colonnato.
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located in the historic testaccio neighborhood, the fontana delle anfore is a stunning fountain featuring three tiers of large terracotta jars. the fountain, designed by lombardi in 1927, is a nod to the area’s history as a former center for the storage and distribution of terracotta jars.
the fontana delle arti, or fountain of the arts, can be found in the trendy and upscale via margutta. this fountain, also designed by lombardi in 1927, is adorned with sculptures of various art forms such as music, theater, and painting. it is a fitting tribute to the street’s reputation as a hub for artists and bohemian culture.
located in the charming trastevere neighborhood, the fontana della botte, or fountain of the barrel, was designed by lombardi in 1927. the fountain takes the form of a large barrel, symbolizing the area’s history as a working-class neighborhood known for its wine production.
a short distance from piazza navona stands the fontana dei libri, or fountain of the books. designed by lombardi in 1927, the fountain takes the form of four books, symbolizing the importance of knowledge and education. it is located in the sant’eustachio neighborhood, known for its historic cafes and universities.
the fontana delle tiare, or fountain of the tiaras, can be found in the largo del colonnato. designed by lombardi in 1927, it features a central sculpture of a tiara and two smaller sculptures of cherubs. the fountain is a symbol of the area’s history as a center of political power and the seat of the roman senate.
all nine of the city’s district fountains were designed and created by the architect and sculptor, pietro lombardi, in the first half of the 20th century. each fountain was designed to represent the specific district, or “rione,” in which it is located. these fountains include the fontana delle anfore, fontana delle arti, fontana della botte, fontana dei libri, and fontana delle tiare, among others.
each of lombardi’s fountains is rich in symbolism, representing the history, culture, and traditions of the specific district in which it is located. for example, the fontana delle anfore represents the history of the testaccio district as a center for the storage and distribution of terracotta jars, while the fontana dei libri symbolizes the importance of knowledge and education in the sant’eustachio district.
lombardi’s fountains are notable for their use of travertine, a type of limestone that is abundant in the rome area. travertine was used extensively in ancient roman architecture and is considered a symbol of the city. lombardi’s use of this material in his fountains helps to connect them to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
lombardi’s fountains have had a significant impact on the urban landscape of rome. not only do they serve a practical purpose as sources of drinking water, but they also serve as works of public art that add beauty and character to the city’s streets and squares. they have become beloved landmarks and popular tourist attractions, and have helped to define the unique character of each district in which they are located.
while lombardi’s fountains may not be as well-known as some of rome’s more famous fountains such as the trevi fountain or the fountain of the four rivers, they are no less impressive. lombardi’s fountains are notable for their unique designs and symbolism, as well as their connection to the specific districts in which they are located. they offer a different perspective on the city and offer visitors a chance to discover something new and unique.
today, lombardi’s fountains are well-maintained and continue to serve as important sources of drinking water. many of them have undergone restoration work in recent years to ensure their preservation for future generations. they remain a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and continue to be a source of pride for the residents of the districts in which they are located.
in conclusion, the fountains of pietro lombardi in rome are a hidden gem that offer visitors a chance to discover something new and unique about the city. they are works of public art that are rich in symbolism and history, and serve as important landmarks in the districts in which they are located. we invite you to explore these fountains on your next visit to rome and to book a luxury apartment through our website to make the most of your stay.