Outdoor Water Fountains Recorded by History

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Outdoor Water Fountains Recorded by History The water from springs and other sources was initially provided to the citizens of nearby towns and municipalities by way of water fountains, whose purpose was mainly practical, not artistic. In the years before electricity, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity alone, usually using an aqueduct or water resource located far away in the surrounding hills. Fountains throughout history have been designed as monuments, impressing local citizens and tourists alike. The contemporary fountains of modern times bear little likeness to the first water fountains. Simple stone basins created from nearby stone were the first fountains, used for religious functions and drinking water. The oldest stone basins are presumed to be from about 2000 B.C.. The jet of water emerging from small spouts was pressured by gravity, the only power source designers had in those days. These historic fountains were designed to be functional, often situated along aqueducts, creeks and rivers to furnish drinking water. The people of Rome began building decorative fountains in 6 BC, most of which were bronze or stone masks of animals and mythological heroes. The impressive aqueducts of Rome provided water to the spectacular public fountains, many of which you can visit today.

Bernini's Earliest Showpieces

Bernini's Earliest Showpieces Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a breath taking work of art seen at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, you will find Roman residents and vacation goers filling this spot to revel in chit chatter and being among other people. The streets neighboring his fountain have come to be one of the city’s most trendy meeting places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. The master's very first water fountain of his career was built at around 1630 at the request of Pope Urbano VIII. Depicted in the fountain's design is a large vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. According to 16th century texts, a great flood of the Tevere covered the entire area in water, an event which was memorialized by the eye-catching fountain. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a prolonged time period, in 1665 Bernini voyaged to France.