Tuesday 3 December 2013

A December evening in Rome


When I heard this week that the cleaning of Bernini's Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini had been completed, I strolled over there after work to see it for myself. It really looks lovely!


Triton was a minor sea god and here he is shown as a kind of merman, head thrown back as he drinks from a conch shell.

I especially enjoy the depictions of dolphins in Renaissance and Baroque-era sculpture, as some kind of vicious sea creature with sharp teeth and menacing expressions.



Interestingly, there was also a very large, metal Menorah in the Piazza celebrating Hanukkah.



And, as I walked home I noticed that more and more businesses on my street are putting up pretty little Christmas decorations and pine boughs around their doors.


10 comments:

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Thank you for carrying your camera with you!

Trekcapri said...

Hi Sandra, it must be so lovely to be in Rome for the Holidays. The statue cleaned up beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing your photos and giving us a glimpse of what it's like to be there at this time of year.

girasoli said...

That is amazing how clean they were able to get that statue. I remember taking photos of it when I was there. Cool photos!

Anonymous said...

so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I need a return visit to see the newly cleaned fountain.

Having spent Christmas in Rome last year I know how beautiful it can be. SIGH

Call me jealous . . .

sandrac said...

Thanks everyone, the statue really has cleaned up beautifully - an amazing transformation.

I think this is going to be another beautiful Christmas!

Unknown said...

Am currently tidying up my life and leaving Sydney for Rome ( via a stint in London ). I went with my parents to this fountain earlier this year and was disappointed to see it was being restored - so fantastic to see your pictures. I too will be without a net - and your blog has been an inspiration to just get out there and do it. Hope the net is there for me too!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy reading your thoughts. We will be looking for a flat in 2014 in Monti -- can you share any thoughts on where to begin to find one? I'd contact you via email but didn't see an address? Thanks much. Michelle

sandrac said...

Best of luck, Damian! Let me know how you do!

Hi Michelle, a good place to begin your search is www.slowtrav.com and its Italy board. There, we talk a lot about searching for apartments here in Rome, and Monti is a hot topic these.

As well, if you wish to contact me privately, you can leave another message here my blog, and I won't publish it but will instead respond (comments are not automatically published, but I read and then approve each individually).

Annie said...

The fountain looks amazing!