Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Water Fountains
Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Water Fountains Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art found at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna.
The Genesis Of Fountains

From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Your Patio: An Ideal Spot for a Fountain
Your Patio: An Ideal Spot for a Fountain The inclusion of a wall fountain or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to beautify your yard or garden design. A myriad of current designers and fountain artisans have found inspiration in the fountains and water features of the past. As such, introducing one of these to your home design is a great way to connect it to the past. In addition to the wonderful characteristics of garden fountains, they also produce water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, drawing in birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. Flying, annoying insects, for instance, are frightened off by the birds congregating around the fountain or birdbath.Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best option for a small garden since they need a great deal of space. There are two types of fountains to pick from including the freestanding version with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained variety which is hung directly on a wall. A fountain can be added to an existing wall if you include some sort of fountain mask as well as a basin to collect the water below. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this kind of work requires know-how, so it is best to hire a skilled person rather than do it yourself.