“Did those fountains always look like twins?” you might ask, peering at the Fontane Gemelle. They do seem remarkably alike, don’t they? The Fontane Gemelle, or “twin fountains,” are indeed a testament to architectural symmetry and a touch of papal rivalry. While not as widely famed as the Trevi Fountain, they hold their own charm here in Piazza Farnese. The story of the Fontane Gemelle begins, surprisingly, with a Roman Emperor. These elegant fountains, crafted from imposing grey granite, once graced the grand Baths of Caracalla, a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman construction. Around the mid-16th century, Pope Paul III, a Farnese Pope, had one of the basins moved to this very spot, then known as Piazza del Duca. The increase in water flow from the Aqua Vergine aqueduct sparked an idea in Cardinal Odoardo Farnese. He envisioned twin fountains gracing the piazza, a desire fuelled by familial pride. Sadly, his vision wasn’t realised immediately. It was Pope Paul V who eventually ordered the completion of the aqueduct that bears his name, finally fulfilling the Cardinal’s wish. The Fontane Gemelle, a blend of ancient Roman grandeur and papal ambition, stand as a charming reminder of the city’s layered history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to