Fontana plaza navona

Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers is the centerpiece of Rome's Piazza Navona, celebrating the four great rivers of the known world in a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture.

About this subject

The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) is a masterwork of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in the center of Piazza Navona, Rome. Commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1651 to enhance the square in front of his family palace, the fountain was part of a public competition that Bernini won with a design that combines an ancient Egyptian obelisk (originally from the Circus of Maxentius) with a dramatic rocky base. Four colossal marble figures represent the major rivers of the four continents known in the 17th century: the Nile (Africa) with its veiled head symbolizing the unknown source; the Ganges (Asia) holding an oar; the Danube (Europe) touching the rock; and the Río de la Plata (Americas) surrounded by silver coins. Each figure is accompanied by animals and objects that add symbolic depth: a horse, a lion, a snake, and a palm tree, among others. The fountain is not just an artistic triumph but also a political statement, celebrating the reach of the Catholic Church. A persistent legend claims that Bernini carved the Nile statue with a covered face to avoid looking at the nearby church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed by his rival Francesco Borromini, but this is likely apocryphal; the veil actually represents the river's then-unknown source. Today, the fountain is one of Rome's most photographed landmarks and a quintessential example of Baroque dynamism and theatricality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the statues in the Fountain of the Four Rivers represent?

The four statues represent the major rivers of the known continents in the 17th century: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), and the Río de la Plata (Americas). Each figure includes associated symbols like a veil, oar, coins, and animals.

Who designed the Fountain of the Four Rivers?

The fountain was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the most famous sculptor and architect of the Italian Baroque, commissioned by Pope Innocent X.

Why is the Fountain of the Four Rivers located in Piazza Navona?

Piazza Navona was built over the ancient Stadium of Domitian, and the fountain was commissioned by Pope Innocent X to beautify the square in front of the Palazzo Pamphili, his family residence.