Fontana dei Cavalli, Baroque fountain in Piazza Roma, Ancona, Italy.
The Fontana dei Cavalli is a Baroque fountain in Piazza Roma with three concentric basins featuring sea horses and dolphins throughout its structure. A putto figure at the top holds a fish that channels water downward through cascading levels.
The fountain was designed between 1755 and 1758 by Scipione Daretti and features sculptures by Gioacchino Varlè. It was built on the foundation of an earlier water installation that had previously occupied the site.
The fountain displays sea horses that connect to local traditions of protection and safe passage on the water. These symbols reflect the sea's importance to Ancona's identity.
The fountain is located on Piazza Roma in front of the Palazzo dell'Orologio and is easily accessible from multiple directions. Its central position on the square allows viewing from different angles.
The putto figure at the top is locally known as 'pupo di San Nicola' and connects to the city's patron saint traditions. This small sculpture with its fish is often overlooked by visitors despite controlling how water flows through the entire fountain.
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