Fontana della Tazza di Porfido, Monumental fountain in Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
The Fontana della Tazza di Porfido is a monumental fountain in Villa Comunale featuring a large circular basin supported by four stone lions. At its center stands a lava rock structure decorated with a Medusa head, surrounded by four pedestals bearing sculptural busts representing the seasons.
The granite basin originally came from Neptune's temple in Paestum and was moved to Salerno Cathedral during the 11th century. It eventually reached Naples where it was transformed with artistic additions into its present form.
Local people named it after the ducks and geese that once inhabited the basin regularly. These animals became part of the fountain's everyday presence in the park.
The fountain sits along the main central pathway of the public Villa Comunale park and works well as a meeting point and landmark. Visitors can easily locate it by following the main paths through the park.
The four sculptural busts represent Flora, Ceres, Bacchus, and Winter positioned on tall pedestals that make them distinctly visible from various angles throughout the park. This elevated placement allows visitors to observe the artistic details from different vantage points.
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