Fontana delle Tartarughe, Renaissance fountain in Piazza Mattei, Italy.
Four bronze ephebes stand around a central basin, lifting bronze turtles toward an upper bowl while water flows from dolphin-shaped spouts.
Architect Giacomo della Porta completed the fountain in 1588, with Bernini adding the bronze turtles during restoration works seventy years later.
The fountain represents a period when Roman nobility demonstrated their influence through public works, transforming utilitarian water sources into artistic monuments.
Located near the Jewish Quarter, this fountain supplied drinking water through the Acqua Vergine aqueduct system to the Roman population.
The four bronze youths appear to be playing with the turtles, creating movement through their poses as they lift the creatures toward the water.
Location: Rome
Inception: January 1, 1588
Architects: Giacomo della Porta
Creator: Giacomo della Porta
Made from material: African marble
GPS coordinates: 41.89381,12.47750
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:15
These fountains display Italian craftsmanship from the 15th to 19th centuries. Made of marble, bronze, or stone, they depict mythological figures, religious scenes, and historical events. Each fountain connects to the local history of its city.
Crypta Balbi
113 m
Circus Flaminius
117 m
Santa Maria in Campitelli
173 m
Palazzo Mattei
65 m
Sant'Angelo in Pescheria
160 m
Santa Caterina dei Funari
89 m
Palazzo Costaguti
11 m
Palazzo Caetani (Gaetani)
73 m
Sant'Ambrogio della Massima
99 m
Istituto centrale per i beni sonori ed audiovisivi
70 m
Temple of Castor and Pollux
154 m
Santa Maria in Publicolis
106 m
Fontana del Pianto
148 m
Temple of Mars
140 m
Santa Maria del Pianto
116 m
Temple of Juno Regina
161 m
Sant'Elena dei Credenzieri
135 m
Porticus Octavia
150 m
Biblioteca di storia moderna e contemporanea
117 m
Cappella di Santa Maria del Carmine
69 m
Torre del Papito
134 m
Library of the Institute of the Italian Encyclopedia
61 m
Museo Nazionale Romano, Crypta Balbi
138 m
Torre dei Grassi
154 m
Piazza dei Calcarari
131 m
Palazzo Guglielmi Chiablese
76 m
Lares Permarini, Aedes
140 m
San Leonardo de Albis
37 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes