Fontana del Calamo, Renaissance fountain in Corso Mazzini, Ancona, Italy
The Fontana del Calamo is a Renaissance fountain on Corso Mazzini in Ancona, decorated with thirteen bronze masks of satyrs and fauns. Water flows through ornamental spouts while an equestrian statue crowns the composition against a stone backdrop with carved scenery.
The fountain was constructed in the early 16th century based on Pellegrino Tibaldi's design and replaced an earlier structure. This renewal came about after demolition to make room for the Palazzo degli Anziani.
The central horseman represents a symbol from Ancona's medieval coat of arms, connecting the fountain to the city's past. This link makes the place a point where local identity becomes tangible for anyone who passes through.
The fountain sits in a public square that is easy to reach on foot and open to visitors at any time. It is worth spending time observing the details, particularly the bronze masks and the carved relief work.
The name Calamo derives from the Greek word kalamos, referring to reeds that once grew in this swampy area of Ancona. Beneath the fountain lies an underground cistern accessible through an entrance on the right side, showing how water was once collected and stored here.
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