A melody of splashing water greets us. It’s the Fontana del Tritone, a monument that sings a song of Naples’ rich past. The Fontana del Tritone, you’ll notice, isn’t your typical cherub-graced fountain. This one, standing proudly in Piazza Cavour, boasts a more powerful figure: the Triton. He’s a mythical sea deity, caught in a forever pose, water cascading from his grasp. The Fontana del Tritone, though seemingly ancient, only sprouted in the late 19th century. Its story, however, is far from simple. Originally, a different sculpture graced its center. But in 1933, the fountain underwent a grand makeover. It was then that the imposing Triton, a creation of sculptor Carlo De Veroli, took center stage. Interestingly, the Triton we see is actually a copy. The original mold rests with the renowned Chiurazzi Foundry, guardians of Naples’ artistic heritage. Over the years, the Fontana del Tritone has weathered more than just time. It has witnessed joyous celebrations, like the day Napoli clinched their first football victory in 1987, when it was painted blue in a burst of celebratory fervor. Now, as you stand before it, take a moment to appreciate its journey, its resilience, and the echoes of Naples’ vibrant spirit it holds within its watery embrace.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938