The Source of Today's Garden Fountains
The Source of Today's Garden Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, ruled the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of ancient classical Greek documents into Latin. It was imperative for him to embellish the city of Rome to make it worthy of being called the capital of the Christian world. Beginning in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent repair at the bidding of the Pope. A mostra, a monumental celebratory fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of entry of an aqueduct, was a tradition which was restored by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti undertook the construction of a wall fountain in the spot where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
Rome’s First Water Transport Systems
Rome’s First Water Transport Systems Rome’s 1st raised aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, citizens residing at higher elevations had to rely on natural streams for their water. When aqueducts or springs weren’t accessible, people living at raised elevations turned to water drawn from underground or rainwater, which was made available by wells and cisterns. Beginning in the sixteenth century, a brand new system was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean sections to provide water to Pincian Hill. Spanning the length of the aqueduct’s passage were pozzi, or manholes, that gave entry. Although they were originally manufactured to make it possible to support the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi started out using the manholes to get water from the channel, opening when he bought the property in 1543. Even though the cardinal also had a cistern to accumulate rainwater, it didn’t supply a sufficient amount of water. That is when he made a decision to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran underneath his residence.
Bernini's First Showpieces
Bernini's First Showpieces The Barcaccia, a stunning water fountain built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest fountain. To this day, this spot is flooded with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. Today, the city streets around Bernini's fountain are a trendy place where people go to meet, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. Dating back to around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII mandated what was to be the very first water fountain of the artist's career. Illustrated in the fountain's design is a great vessel gradually sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period reports dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was constructed as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a long-lasting time period, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.
The Subtle Appeal of the Garden Wall Fountain
The Subtle Appeal of the Garden Wall Fountain Adding a wall fountain as a decoration element will make a great impression on your family and friends. In addition to the calming background sounds a wall water feature contributes to any living space, it also imparts elegance.
You can leave an enduring impression on your guests with the visual elegance and the welcoming sounds of this sort of feature. Even a living space with a modern-day look can be improved with a wall fountain. Stainless steel or glass are two of the materials used to construct modern-day types which add a trendy component to your room decoration. Is the floor space in your residence or office scarce? A wall water fountain might be the perfect option for you. Since they are hung on a wall you can save your precious real estate for something else. Busy entryways in office buildings are often adorned with one of these kinds of fountains. Wall fountains can be set up on the outside as well. Fiberglass and resin are ideal materials to use for outdoor wall water features. Courtyards, terraces, or other outdoor spaces needing a stylish touch should include a water fountain made of one of these weather-proof materials.
Wall fountains can be found in a number of unique styles, ranging from ultra-sleek to traditional and rustic. You can choose the best style based upon your own tastes. A mountain lodge might require a traditional material such as slate whereas a high rise apartment might require sleek glass to enliven the interior space. You can select the material most appropriate to your needs. One thing is sure, however, fountains are items which will no doubt dazzle your guests.