The Fountain of the Naiads stands at the centre of Piazza della Repubblica in Rome, where bronze figures and moving water draw the eye from the surrounding traffic. Mario Rutelli’s four nymphs, added in 1901, circle a central group of Glaucus wrestling a dolphin. Look for the different poses and the water rising from the dolphin before spilling into the tiered basins. Daylight brings out the sculpted details; after dark, lighting gives the fountain and piazza a more theatrical look. Pair the stop with the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
A fountain made for Piazza Esedra
The fountain began as the Fontana dell’Acqua Pia, a modest basin that marked the return of the Acqua Pia Antica Marcia aqueduct. As Piazza Esedra took shape, Alessandro Guerrieri rebuilt it in 1888 as a broad, octagonal arrangement of basins. The larger design gave the square a central feature on a scale suited to its open setting.
Mario Rutelli’s bronze Naiads were added in 1901. Their fluid poses and close relationship with the water give the figures a sense of movement. The fountain’s name refers to freshwater nymphs, although the central figure belongs to a different part of Greek mythology.
The nymphs and Glaucus
The four Naiads represent different kinds of water: lakes, rivers, oceans and underground waters. Their sculpted companions include a swan, a water snake, a seahorse and a lizard. Take time to look at how each figure meets its animal and the water around it; the poses are not alike.
Rutelli’s first central sculptural group was rejected and moved to another piazza. It was replaced by Glaucus wrestling a dolphin, a group added in 1912. Water jets rise from the dolphin before flowing down through the fountain’s basins. The contrast between freshwater Naiads and the sea god Glaucus is part of the fountain’s layered mythological design.
How to look around the fountain
The fountain sits in a busy roundabout, so approach it using pedestrian crossings and stay on safe, permitted routes. The traffic can make close viewing and photography difficult. From the piazza, you can still take in the bronze figures, the water and the broad setting without lingering near moving vehicles.
In daylight, look for the details of the figures and their animal companions. After dark, illumination changes the scene, picking out the sculpture and the architecture around the square. The fountain makes a brief pause on a walk through central Rome, and the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli gives you another stop to add to the route.
FAQ
Where is the Fountain of the Naiads?
It is in the centre of Piazza della Repubblica in Rome.
Who sculpted the Naiads?
Mario Rutelli created the bronze Naiads, which were added to the fountain in 1901.
What is the central statue?
It depicts Glaucus wrestling a dolphin. The group was added in 1912.
When is the fountain worth seeing?
Daylight helps reveal the sculpted details, while after dark the lighting gives the figures and piazza a more theatrical appearance.
