Sunday, September 7, 2014

Rome's Acqua Felice "Moses" Fountain

Cater-cornered from Santa Susanna's is this lovely fountain, built in the sixteenth century as an architectural experiment by Pope Sixtus V - with lovely Roman water splashing merrily around the feet of the heroic-sized figure of Moses in the central niche.  

Three large basins extend across the base of the fountain, and fresh water poures into them from the mouths of the four lions.  The lions recline lazily along the edges of the basins.  Visitors with guidebooks in their hands stand in front of the fountain, studying and seeking to identify the figures in the marbled alcoves alongside of Moses.  Logs going on in this fountain.  Take a close look next time.  And be ready to translate some Latin.   

No comments:

Post a Comment