Garden Fountains: The Fountain at Campidoglio in Rome

If you visit the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome then you’ll find three fountains of interest in this imposing square. These fountains each have a particularly interesting history. They haven’t actually been in place in their current setting for that long but each fountain has had a rich and varied background. In fact, the sculptures you’ll see on these three fountains can trace back their roots to the early days of Christian Rome.

The first of the three fountains that you’ll probably notice in the piazza is the central fountain that leads up to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he laid out designs for the piazza, the fountain was only constructed in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply from the Acqua Felice that could then supply a fountain. Original plans had decreed that this fountain would contain the figure of Jove as its centerpiece, instead it was built around the figure of Minerva who stands as the figurehead of Rome. Minerva’s statue has partly been restored in modern times but the torso was brought to Rome from Cori so it is actually of great historical significance.

In front of the Minerva fountain you’ll find a fountain decorated with the sculptures of two river gods. These statues are actually of significant historical interest – unlike many lost treasures they have survived without burial in all the turbulent times since Rome’s downfall. Initially they were located in front of Aurelian’s Temple of the Sun and they have since moved around various settings in Rome before settling in their current location. Like the Palace of the Senators before which they stand, much of this fountain is constructed of travertine and this fountain really does meld into the magnificent building seamlessly.

You’ll find the third fountain in the Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palazzo dei Conservatori. This fountain has barely earned its name as it is actually more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which was added to the square in 1903, shows a lion feasting on a horse that it has hunted down. Although this fountain may not look significant the sculpture itself is of real historical import. If you look closely at the lion you’ll note that it appears to show the effects of being exposed to water for long periods – it was actually discovered in the River Almo more than a thousand years ago although its history before that remains a mystery.

Fishponds and Fountains in English Pleasure Gardens

As the cultivated ground of estates grew in size, it gradually came to be divided into compartments. These subdivisions were usually formed of latticework with square or diamond-shaped apertures, more or less ornamental as during the classic era. There were beds for plants raised several inches above the level of the path, retained by a stone coping, and fenced in with wattles, latticework, or open wooden railings. Fruit trees and herbs predominated, for as yet flowers were given no especial prominence in the garden. The main paths or alleys were covered with sand, and usually broad enough for two or three people to pace abreast. Narrower paths were intended to facilitate the weeding of the beds.

Resting-places were provided for those who found walking or standing tiresome. Simple benches cushioned with turf were built into embrasures or against the wall. Earth banked up around the trunk of a tree, grassed over and held in place by wattled osiers, formed a circular seat. In the center of the garden a three-sided exedra constructed of stone or brick, covered with grass and flowers, often formed the most important feature. Arbors or bowers were wooden structures covered by shrubs and vines and usually shading a comfortable seat.

Water in various forms was always, if possible, introduced into the garden. Fishponds, bathing pools, and fountains were common. Usually the central and most ornamental architectural feature of the pleasure garden was a fountain. The earliest
of an ornamental appearance were apparently of Oriental design.

A maze or labyrinth was frequently laid out in or near the garden. An early form seems to have consisted of a network of underground passages, making the approach to a hidden bower almost impossible to the uninitiated. Several of these mysterious subterranean labyrinths existed in England, the most celebrated one being that constructed by Henry II to conceal fair Rosamond's bower at Woodstock. The bower, in her case, was a small stone building enclosing a well, a large enough dwelling-place for one or two people.

Other features of the garden, also constructed at a later date, were menageries, aviaries, apiaries, and dovecotes. Birds and bees everywhere added much to the charm of the garden. Swans swam in the basins and moat, peacocks strutted along the alleys and perched on top of the walls, and doves flew to and from their spacious homes. All these were served up as delicacies at meals.

Easy Pond Fountain Installation

Thinking of adding a fountain to your pond? Installing a pond fountain is simple, and it will add both visual interest and the benefit of oxygenation to your pond. A pond fountain is generally made up of a recirculating submersible electric pump with a fountain jet attached to it (also called a spray fountain). There are many different sizes and styles of pond fountains available; the style of the spray is a matter of preference, but the size depends upon how large your pond is. Your preferred fountain retailer can help you choose the pond fountain that is right for your pond. You’ll need to have the pump and fountain jet combo, a large terracotta pot, some concrete blocks, and a nearby source of electricity. There are four easy steps to install a pond fountain:

1. The pond fountain must be placed where you can easily get to it for maintenance. If you have a small pond, this is not an issue. If the fountain is going into a large pond, you may want to position it so that it is close to the edge.

2. The pump must be raised up from the floor of the pond in order to reduce the amount of debris sucked into it. This also ensures that the fountain head will be above the water. This is where your terracotta pot comes in – turn it upside down and place the pump on top. If it’s not the right height, use concrete blocks to raise it. If your pump is small and lightweight, you may need to tie it to the pot to prevent it from floating away. Make sure it is situated so that the fountain jet is facing up.

3. You must have an electrician install an outdoor power socket, if you don’t already have one. This socket should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI, known as a Residual Current Device outside the U.S. and Canada) protecting it, since the cord will be under the water. This device helps prevent electric shock. Plug your pump into the socket. If there is excess cable, bind it together under the water where it won’t be noticed. If the cord must cross a lawn, use a square-tipped shovel to cut and pry open the sod about 6 inches deep, push the cord down with a stick, and then press the slot closed with your foot.

4. Now, adjust the flow of the water using the switch or screw on the pump. Start with it in the ‘low’ or ‘down’ position, and slowly move it up. Ask a friend or family member to watch from the sidelines, so they can tell you if the water spray is all going back into the pond. Once you’ve found the perfect level, you’re done! Now you and your family can relax and enjoy your new pond fountain.