I love frogs. Recent rain in Brisbane means there is a chorus of croaking in the evening outside my window.
I had a delightful frog experience on my last visit to Rome. I had heard about the fountain and set off to find it.
The fountain itself needs some love and a haircut. It sits in the middle of the Piazza Mincio in the Quartiere Coppede named for the architect who created it, Florentine Gino Coppede. It is a tiny neighbourhood is a mix of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Italian Liberty and a few other eras thrown in for good measure, quite unlike anything else in Rome.
8 frogs line the top of a basin supported by several human figures. The poor figures are encrusted with calcium and the frogs are sprouting grass but I was enchanted by the fountain. It was an overcast day with occasional bursts of bright sunshine, so the photos are not all good, but you will get the idea.
The buildings that surround the fountain are stunning. My favourites were the Fairy Cottages, covered with decorations and surrounded by a magnificent fence with elaborate gates.
Take a look at this amazing ship. I want one on my house!
The rest of the buildings are covered with animal motifs, spiders, snails, bees, people, curly things…the list goes on.
The Beatles attracted attention to the fountain many years ago when they stepped into the water fully clothed. It isn’t particularly old by Roman standards. It was built in 1924.
I know there is lots to see in Rome, but if you have the time make your way to Piazza Mincio. I’m sure you will be as delighted as I was. It is a short walk from the Gallery end of Villa Borghese (about 10 minutes) towards Parioli.
Stunning! Reminds me of Gaudi’s creations in Barcelona. Great photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 10, 2017
at 9:47 am
He was influenced by Gaudi.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 10, 2017
at 1:04 pm
Oh, how cool!
By: Sue on December 10, 2017
at 10:17 am
It is a stunning neighbourhood. I loved it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 10, 2017
at 1:14 pm
Well worth a visit!
By: Sue on December 10, 2017
at 1:50 pm
What a fantastic building. I love the fountain too.
By: janetknight57 on December 10, 2017
at 12:49 pm
It was a complete surprise to come upon this astounding area.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 10, 2017
at 1:15 pm
In some of the research I looked at it said Art Deco and another Art Nouveau. Either way it is stunning . Coppede died before the project was finished and another architect completed the project.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 10, 2017
at 1:12 pm
picturesque area of Rome near where i live. i don’t think i’d ever noticed the frogs! if it wasn’t raining i’d go there now
By: papershots on December 10, 2017
at 2:02 pm
It is a bit difficult to make out the frogs because of the damage to the fountain, but if you look closely you will see them.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 10, 2017
at 9:20 pm
I’ll take a closer look next time I’m in that area. 🙂 Sometimes, there’s so much to see here that certain neighbourhoods are neglected, not to mention the little details of what can be found there. Thanks again for drawing my attention to it.
By: papershots on December 11, 2017
at 8:50 am
I love frogs too! I think it’s a memory from childhood of the many green frogs that once hopped around the yard until toads tool over.
By: Mallee Stanley on December 10, 2017
at 4:21 pm
Green frogs are my favourite.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2017
at 12:27 am
I love that sail-billowed galleon – isn’t it magnificent.
By: Jan on December 10, 2017
at 11:19 pm
I loved the decorations on that house, the ship most of all.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2017
at 12:27 am
Thank you for sharing! Added to my next year’s list 🙂
By: Ishita on December 11, 2017
at 6:18 am
The whole piazza is stunning. You will love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2017
at 12:56 pm
We came across this fantastic neighbourhood by accident, a couple of years ago, whilst staying close by. It was like an adult Fantasy or Fairyland. Magical, and well worth the trip to wander around admiring the mix of styles and ornamentation on all the homes. We also read that it was a combination of all those styles named.
By: Anne Of Todi on December 11, 2017
at 9:13 pm
I had no idea what to expect when I went there. I was just looking for a frog fountain. I loved the piazza.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 11, 2017
at 9:20 pm
Good find!
By: aFrankAngle on December 12, 2017
at 2:27 am
I think so too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 12, 2017
at 9:35 am
I love Rome – your photos are great. They take me back to my first/only trip there so far. Hope to get back soon. I’ll have to find the frogs when I go.
By: Paula on December 12, 2017
at 3:00 pm
It is well worth setting out to find the frog fountain. The piazza is amazing.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 13, 2017
at 8:05 am
Wow Deb what a great post – there is always something to see in Rome, no matter how many times we have visited Rome – on my list for my next visit – fabulous photos
By: Elizabeth Litzow on December 14, 2017
at 9:30 am
I have wanted to find the fountain for some time. I was certainly not disappointed.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 14, 2017
at 11:40 am