Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Fountains
Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Fountains Bernini's earliest water 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, this area is flooded with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy debate and each other's company. Today, the city streets surrounding Bernini's water fountain are a trendy place where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII helped Bernini start off his career with the construction of his very first water fountain. A massive ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's main theme. Period reports dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere.
Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a prolonged period of time, in 1665 Bernini voyaged to France.
The Countless Designs of Wall Fountains
The Countless Designs of Wall Fountains
Wall fountains are well suited to small patios or yards because they do not require too much space while also adding a touch of flair and providing a great place to find peace and quiet. Whatever style of outdoor wall fountain you are searching for whether it be traditional, modern, classic, or Asian you will certainly find the one you like best. It is possible to have one customized if you are unable to find a prefabricated fountain to suit you. The two types of water features available to you include mounted and freestanding models. Small, self-contained versions can be placed on a wall are called mounted wall fountains. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be lightweight, so they are normally made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is situated on the ground with the smooth side positioned against a wall. Typically made of cast stone, these water features have no weight restrictions.
Landscape professionals often recommend a individualized fountain for a brand new or existing wall. The basin and all the necessary plumbing are best installed by a qualified mason. The wall will have to have a spout or fountain mask built into it. The cohesive look provided by custom-made wall fountains make them appear to be part of the landscape instead of an afterthought.
Water Delivery Strategies in Historic Rome
Water Delivery Strategies in Historic Rome
Rome’s 1st raised aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, residents living at higher elevations had to depend on local creeks for their water. Over this time period, there were only two other systems capable of delivering water to high areas, subterranean wells and cisterns, which amassed rainwater. In the early sixteenth century, the city began to utilize the water that flowed underground through Acqua Vergine to deliver drinking water to Pincian Hill. The aqueduct’s channel was made available by pozzi, or manholes, that were placed along its length when it was 1st designed. Even though they were initially developed to make it possible to support the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi began using the manholes to collect water from the channel, opening when he bought the property in 1543. The cistern he had constructed to obtain rainwater wasn’t adequate to meet his water demands. By using an opening to the aqueduct that flowed underneath his property, he was able to satisfy his water demands.