Fontana del Tritone

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Triton's muscular physique is inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, depicting the god signaling the recession of the floodwaters.

2. 2

   The Barberini family coat of arms, featuring three bees, is prominently carved into the shell held by the dolphins.

3. 3

   The fountain served as a primary water source for the surrounding neighborhood for centuries before the introduction of modern plumbing.

4. 4

   Bernini designed the fountain to be viewed from multiple angles, ensuring the dynamic pose appears balanced from every side of the piazza.

5. 5

   It is one of the few Roman fountains that has remained in its original location since its initial construction.

Overview

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Fontana del Tritone was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and completed in 1643. It is situated in the center of Piazza Barberini, showcasing a muscular Triton blowing into a conch shell while kneeling on a large scallop shell. Four dolphins support the shell, their tails curling upward to form the base of the basin. The fountain was the first urban fountain in Rome commissioned by a Pope to be displayed in a public square rather than near an aqueduct terminal. It underwent a significant restoration between 2013 and 2014 to remove calcium deposits and biological crusts. The structure is built from travertine stone rather than the more expensive marble often used in contemporary sculptures. It remains a central feature of the Barberini district, reflecting the transition from Renaissance to Baroque urban planning.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning hours to see the fountain without the dense traffic that fills the roundabout of Piazza Barberini.

• Walk around the entire perimeter to observe the intricate connection points where the dolphin tails meet the upper shell.