Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The figure representing the Rio de la Plata is shown with his hand raised as if shielding his eyes from the sight of the nearby church, Sant'Agnese in Agone.

2. 2

   The obelisk topping the fountain is a Roman imitation of an Egyptian obelisk, carved during the reign of Domitian.

3. 3

   Bernini was not the initial choice for the commission; he won the contract after presenting a silver model of the fountain to the Pope's sister-in-law.

4. 4

   The statue of the Nile holds a cloth over its head, traditionally interpreted as an allusion to the unknown source of the river at the time.

5. 5

   The fountain's base was constructed to look like a grotto carved from living rock, contrasting with the smooth stone of the statues.

6. 6

   The lion at the base of the fountain is depicted drinking from the water, signifying the strength of the Papacy.

Overview

The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, located in the center of Piazza Navona, serves as the focal point of the Baroque square. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651 for Pope Innocent X, it features a massive travertine base supporting an Egyptian obelisk. The fountain represents four major rivers: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Río de la Plata, symbolizing the four continents known at the time. Each river god is accompanied by flora and fauna representative of its respective region. The central obelisk, known as the Agonalis obelisk, originally stood in the Circus of Maxentius. The fountain operates on a closed-circuit water system that feeds into the basin from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. It currently remains fully accessible as a public monument within the pedestrian-only Piazza Navona.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning to photograph the statues without crowds.

• Walk the full circumference of the fountain to see the distinct details of each river god and animal.

• Look for the hidden details, such as the palm tree carved in stone, which acts as structural support for the obelisk.