Fountains of Rome

Among the most recognizable and best-loved features of Rome are its fountains. The many varied examples that grace the urban fabric of the "Eternal City" were designed by some of Europe's greatest artists and architects, including Domenico Fontana, Giacomo della Porta, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Nicola Salvi. Built at enormous expense, and often requiring new water-feeds to be constructed from miles outside Rome, the fountains were important elements of the urban renewal undertaken by the papal rulers, who were concerned with the creation of a new city which would demonstrate their triumphant and undisputed authority - echoing, where necessary, the heritage of Imperial Rome. A wide-ranging survey of these remarkable monuments is presented in this work, which includes colour photographs taken both at night and by day. The fountains are described individually, from the story of their commission and creation to stylistic and technical analyses. Maps and contemporary documents complete the survey.