Rome

Barkaccia Fountain in Rome - Bernini Boat

The Fontana della Barcaccia is located in Piazza di Spagna in Rome, at the base of the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti). It is not distinguished by its large size and splendor of architecture, but it attracts many Romans and visitors to the city.

History of creation

The Barkaccia Fountain in Rome was built from 1627 to 1629 according to the architectural plan of Pietro Bernini, father of Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.

The work of art was erected in memory of the flood of 1598, when the water rose above 20 meters above sea level. The Tiber overstepped the coast and flooded the historic center of Rome. When the water flowed away, a stranded longboat was found in Plaza de España.

In 1623, on the orders of Pope Urban VIII (Maffeo Barberini), the restoration of the Aqueduct Acqua Vergine began to bring water to new areas of the capital. The pontiff was impressed by the flood, and as part of the reconstruction ordered to install a fountain in the form of a boat on the Piazza di Spagna. The restoration of the water supply system and the construction of the fountain was entrusted to Pietro Bernini. To work on the fountain, the architect was helped by a son, who probably completed the work after the death of his father in 1629.

We recommend reading:

The sculptor compensated for the insufficient water pressure in the fountain with the composition of a half-flooded longboat. The base of the fountain is below the level of the square, and the boat is raised. Such an arrangement of parts gives the necessary difference in water levels and jets slowly flow from a kind of ignition holes in the boat. The monument is made in the Baroque style of white marble and is decorated with distinctive signs of the family coat of arms of Barberini - suns and bees.

Translated from Italian, “Barcaccia” means a longboat, a small vessel with gentle edges and a flat bottom for transporting goods. In Rome, XVI-XVII centuries, wine barrels were transported on such ships.

Nowadays

Now, as in the 17th century, the fountain is supplied with the waters of the ancient aqueduct Aqua Virgo, which also feeds the Trevi fountains (Fontana di Trevi) and the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi). Tourists and local residents quench their thirst with the purest cold water from this source without fear.

In 2014, the restoration of the work of the master Bernini, which lasted about a year, was completed. The Barkaccia Fountain or, as tourists affectionately call it, the "Boat" shone with its pristine brilliance and whiteness. On February 19, 2015, fans of the Dutch football team Feyenoord before the game with the Italian Roma in the 1/16 Europa League (the match ended in a draw 1: 1) slightly damaged the fountain during the riots.

How to get there

Spanish Square can be reached by metro on the red line A - to Spagna Station. On the same line you can get to Piazza Barberini (station Barberini) and walk from there on foot.

Popular Posts

Category Rome, Next Article

Dresden Cathedral
Germany

Dresden Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main Dresden Catholic church. This is a three-nave baroque building with two towers, the original organ of Zilbermann’s work is preserved inside. Representatives of the Vettin dynasty are buried in the crypt. Hofkirche, photo by andreas grahl Katholische Hofkirche in Dresden is a former courtyard church that is connected by a covered passage gallery to the Residence Castle.
Read More
Augustus Bridge
Germany

Augustus Bridge

Augustus Bridge is captured in a painting by Italian artist Bernardo Bellotto. Looking at it, you can compare how the city has changed over three centuries. Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrücke), photo webjoy Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrücke) in Dresden was built in the 13th century. In the years 1727-1731, by order of Elector Augustus the Strong, it was renewed.
Read More
German sketches. Part VI (story of Alexei)
Germany

German sketches. Part VI (story of Alexei)

There are a great many monuments and fountains in Cologne. The most famous of them are located in a relatively small area of ​​the Old Town near the main city attraction - Cologne Cathedral. German sketches German sketches. Part I German sketches.
Read More
Carnival and Kölsch
Germany

Carnival and Kölsch

The Germans associate Cologne with a fun carnival. In the days of the holiday, the Middle Ages seem to come to life: in fancy dress a la the Middle Ages, cheerful processions, games and fun in the old spirit take place on the wide streets of the city. The roots of the carnival go back to the distant past of the city, as well as the recipe for traditional Cologne beer, brewed by local brewers for centuries.
Read More