Fountains of St. Peter's Square, Renaissance fountains in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City
The Fountains of St. Peter's Square are two identical travertine structures positioned on either side of the central obelisk. Each fountain features double basins from which water flows continuously, creating moving streams across the square.
The first fountain was built in 1612 by Carlo Maderno as part of the square's development. Between 1667 and 1677, Gian Lorenzo Bernini created a matching second fountain to balance the space and complete the design.
The fountains serve as focal points where visitors and pilgrims gather during religious ceremonies and papal events. They create spaces where people pause to reflect and experience the spiritual character of the square.
These fountains operate by gravity alone without mechanical systems, drawing water naturally from the higher ground of the surrounding Vatican hills. Visitors can view them from multiple angles throughout the square, and they remain accessible during all times when the plaza is open to the public.
One of the two fountains gained recognition in 1641 as Europe's leading water feature due to its technical innovation. This early acknowledgment shows how advanced engineering of that era was applied to create a landmark that shaped the plaza's character.
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