In the Piazza Mattei in Rome sits the delightful Fountain of the turtles.
Fontana delle Tartarughe
It was made in the late 1500s and was intended for the neighbouring Piazza Giudea. Muzio Mattei, whose family owned all the houses in Piazza Mattei, insisted it be built in front of his palazzo. In return he paved the piazza and promised to keep it clean.
detail on the fountain
Four pretty boys help the turtles into the water.
another boy
the little turtle heads for the water
It was designed by Giacomo delle porta, who also created the 2 fountains at either end of the Piazza Navona. The Turtle fountain is made of bronze, rather than marble, and is exquisite. Try to find it if you go to Rome, I know you won’t be disappointed.
a beautiful terrace overlooking the piazza
Hehe…they are indeed pretty boys! 🙂 Lovely fountain, Deb, thanks for sharing the pics.
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on November 23, 2010
at 12:27 am
I’m amazed at all the interesting sights you discover in Rome, Deb! The turtle fountain certainly is beautiful. Thank you for bringing us so much pleasure through the lens of your camera.
By: Sandra H. on November 23, 2010
at 12:35 am
Beautiful photos – are you there now? It looks all so golden and elegant.
By: joanna on November 23, 2010
at 12:52 am
I was in Rome a couple of weeks ago, when these photos were taken. I am back in Australia now – at my sister’s vineyard in Victoria – taking lots of pictures.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 23, 2010
at 1:04 am
Love that last terrace picture! We just don’t see anything like that here!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on November 23, 2010
at 6:27 am
Can you imagine living in that wonderful pumpkin coloured terrace overlooking ‘the pretty boys’ Deb. Awesome 🙂
By: Anna Johnston on November 23, 2010
at 7:14 am
What a great fountain. I’m with Anna, I could handle over looking the boys and their turtles in the piazza.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on November 23, 2010
at 8:53 pm
I could look at this fountain all day.
By: bagnidilucca on November 23, 2010
at 9:17 pm
I stayed with friends not far from ‘the turtles’ in September. We visited almost every day on our adventures
By: Sandra R on December 8, 2010
at 12:42 am
It is a beautiful fountain in a lovely quiet piazza. This was the first time I had seen it, but I will be back.
By: bagnidilucca on December 8, 2010
at 7:41 am
I would like to include one of your pictures of the fountain (http://bagnidilucca.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_9850.jpg) in a textbook. It would show at about 6 cm high, and be credited in the legend immediately below to the author’s name, the blog name and URL, or any other information you would like to show. Would I have your permission for that?
By: Ignacio on June 5, 2012
at 4:50 pm
That would be wonderful. I would love to have my photo in your book.Thank you for asking.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 5, 2012
at 9:18 pm
Thank you very much. I think it is a great picture.
By: Ignacio on June 5, 2012
at 10:48 pm