Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.
Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles
Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles Rome’s first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, people residing at higher elevations had to rely on natural creeks for their water. When aqueducts or springs weren’t accessible, people dwelling at raised elevations turned to water pulled from underground or rainwater, which was made available by wells and cisterns. From the beginning of the sixteenth century, water was routed to Pincian Hill by way of the underground channel of Acqua Vergine. Pozzi, or manholes, were made at regular stretches along the aqueduct’s channel. The manholes made it less demanding to clean the channel, but it was also achievable to use buckets to extract water from the aqueduct, as we discovered with Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi when he possessed the property from 1543 to 1552, the year he died. It appears that, the rainwater cistern on his property wasn’t enough to fulfill his needs. Thankfully, the aqueduct sat just below his residence, and he had a shaft opened to give him access.Outdoor Water fountains: An Ideal Decor Accessory to Find Tranquility
Outdoor Water fountains: An Ideal Decor Accessory to Find Tranquility You can find harmony and tranquility by simply having water in your garden. The noises in your neighborhood and surrounding area will be masked with the soothing sounds of a fountain. This is a great spot to relax and experience the natural world near you.