Bernini’s Fountain Of Four Rivers In Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares, buzzing with life and packed with history.

It all started with Emperor Domitian. In 86 AD, he built a massive stadium here for chariot races and athletic contests like foot races and boxing.

Later, in the 17th century, Pope Innocent X decided it was time for a revamp of the piazza.

With the help of Bernini and Borromini, he turned it into a Baroque showstopper with Palazzo Pamphilj, churches and fountains. It became the “catwalk” for religious, political, and cultural activities.

Fountain of the Four Rivers
Fountain of the Four Rivers

But the most famous, most gobsmacking, monument on the piazza is the incredible Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

In this guide to the fountain, I’ll give you a mini history and describe its symbolism.

You may want book a 3.5 hour guided tour of central Rome that includes Piazza Navona

This area of Rome is also incredibly special by night. And you may prefer a 2 hour nighttime guided walking tour,

fountain with a view of the allegorical sculpture of the River Nile

Mini History Of the Fountain Of Four Rivers

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest Baroque artists, the Fountain of the Four Rivers has been wowing visitors for centuries. It’s a true masterpiece.

Back in 1651, Bernini landed the commission for the fountain, at the height of his career at age 53.

But the road to this triumph wasn’t exactly smooth. At the time, Pope Innocent X wasn’t Bernini’s biggest fan.

Innocent X had plenty of other artists in his corner—some of them rivals eager to see Bernini sidelined. So when the pope launched a competition to design a new fountain for Piazza Navona, Bernini wasn’t even invited to participate.

So how did Bernini still snag the project, right under the pope’s nose? Enter Nicolo Ludovisi, Bernini’s well-connected ally.

Ludovisi encouraged him to create a model for the fountain anyway. And that bold move turned out to be a game-changer.

another view of the Fountain of Four Rivers

Ludovisi secretly installed it in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj—where the pope couldn’t miss it during his daily walks.

As expected, the pope took one look and was blown away by the model. Conceding defeat, he famously said, “He who desires not to use Bernini’s designs, must take care not to see them.” Mama Mia!

And just like that, Bernini scored the commission for the fountain. Great anecdote, no?

And Bernini did not disappoint.

What to Look for on the Fountain of the Four Rivers

The structure begins with a large basin or pool, which contains the moving water. It’s essential because, after all, it was a fountain. And people used it for potable drinking water.

another view of the fountain and its basin

From the basin, there’s almost an explosion of travertine stone blocks. This serves as the base for the obelisk.

At the top of the base is where you’ll find some of the emblems of the Pamphilj family. Because, after all, they wanted credit for their great patronage creating this public monument.

If you look closely, you can see the coat of arms of the Pamphilj family (dove) and the papal tiara at a level where the public could see it.

Sitting on a large travertine block are four oversized male figures that look very Michelangelo-esque.

Collectively, they represent the four major known rivers of the four known continents — Nile (Egypt), Danube (Europe), Ganges (Asia), and Rio de la Plata (Americas).

All the sculptures have flowing beards and hair. They seem to be caught in moments of surprise or motion.

Which figure is which? Bernini made it easy to tell by including clever little symbols.

The Ganges River sits with his back to the Church of Sant’Agnese, holding a long oar to signal the river’s navigability.

Next to him, also facing away from the church, is the Nile River. This mysterious figure has his head covered with cloth. This is a nod to the fact that the source of the Nile was still unknown at the time.

The other two sculptures face the church.

The Danube River is the one reaching up to touch the pope’s coat of arms. This symbolizes Europe’s closeness to Rome and the Church.

Lastly, there’s the Rio de la Plata, lounging on a pile of coins. The coins represent the immense wealth of the New World, especially South America.

allegorical sculpture representing the Nile River
Nile River

The four reclining male nudes are classic representations of river gods, a nod to tradition. True to the Baroque style, they’re full of life and a touch of theatrical drama.

At the fountain’s center is its crowning feature: the massive obelisk of Domitian.

Despite the hieroglyphs, it’s not Egyptian. It’s actually a Roman obelisk, crafted in the Egyptian style.

Adding to the dynamic energy of the fountain is the horse, a symbol of power, freedom, and natural force.

Here’s a fun fact: at the time, Bernini had a fierce rivalry with another famous architect, Borromini.

Horse sculpture in the fountain

Nowhere is Bernini and Borromini’s rivalry more obvious than in Piazza Navona. Bernini’s fountain stands directly in front of Borromini’s Church of Sant’Agnese, creating an artistic face-off.

Take a look at the Rio de la Plata figure on the fountain. His hand is raised, possibly to fend off the snake nearby.

But the people of Rome had a more entertaining theory. They believed the figure was shielding his face to show disgust for Borromini’s church. Or maybe even protecting himself in case the church came tumbling down!

On the church’s facade, just left of the bell tower, there’s a small statue of St. Agnes. She’s looking off to the right, completely ignoring the fountain.

It’s almost as if the two artists were having a silent conversation through their creations.

Pamphilj coat of arms

Fun as the legend is, it’s completely inaccurate. The fountain was designed in 1651. The church was designed a year later in 1652.

Over the years, the fountain has undergone many restorations. The most recent, in 2024, was intended to make it picture perfect for the 2025 Jubilee.

And that’s a wrap. I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona. You may find these other Rome travel guides useful:

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