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The Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe or Fontana Tortoise), built by Taddeo Landini between 1581 and 1588, is considered one of Rome’s finest early fountains.
It is world-renowned, and four replicas of it were built in the USA. Four bronze ephebes are holding a circular basin with one hand, while with the other, they help a turtle climb the basin. Moreover, they ride four dolphins positioned on four marble conch shelves. Initially, the ephebes held four other dolphins, which were replaced with turtles during the renovation in 1658.
History of the Creation of the Turtle Fountain
The fountain features four ephebes (adolescents), each holding a dolphin, with the tail in one hand and the head beneath the right foot. The bronze material highlights the elegance of the figures. Moreover, the Turtle Fountain includes four portasanta marble seashells positioned on an African marble vase. It was designed by the renowned architect Giacomo Della Porta and constructed in 1582.
The beautiful fountain is served by the aqueduct of the same name, Acqua Vergine, which also supplies the famous Trevi Fountain, completed in 1570.
Originally, the fountain was intended to stand in Piazza Giudia, located nearby. Additionally, the market at the Ghetto gate was held there. Eventually, however, the monument was placed in Piazza Mattei at the request of Duke Muzio Mattei, who wished to view the masterpiece from his palace.
In 1658, during the papacy of Alexander VII, four turtles were added at the top of the basin, as if supported by the ephebes. This enhancement was suggested by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The rectangular Renaissance-style Piazza Mattei, where the fountain is located, lies within the Jewish Quarter.
The Legend
According to legend, Duke Mattei, a young aristocrat with a passion for gambling, lost all his money. Consequently, the father of his bride decided to break off their engagement. Mattei attempted to change the bride’s father’s mind and chose to astonish both him and the bride by commissioning the fountain overnight in front of the Mattei family palace.
The following day, he asked the bride and her father to look out of the window at the square. They were both so impressed. The bride’s father was convinced that if the Duke could create such a masterpiece in a single night, he would also be capable of making his daughter happy. However, the fountain was constructed in the late 1500s, while the palace was only built around 30 years ago.
Where is the Turtle Fountain?
The Turtle Fountain is located in the charming Jewish Ghetto, in the historical centre, right near Torre Argentina and Piazza Venezia.
Piazza Mattei
In one half of the square, you can see the Fontana delle Tartarughe, recently restored. Many tourists come to admire this world-acclaimed masterpiece. The area of the ancient Jewish Ghetto is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, which stands in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome’s metropolitan life. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Jewish Ghetto was dominated by the Mattei family, who controlled the traffic on the left bank of the Tiber River.
The family built a palace and the Turtle Fountain, designed by Giacomo Della Porta and built by Taddeo Landini, with the addition of three turtles by Bernini later on.
The masterpiece is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. Have you ever visited the Jewish Ghetto?
