Some of the 14th-century’s most impressive bas-relief statues decorate a public fountain in the Piazza del Campo with religious and mythological meaning.
In a city famous for its fountains, Fonte Gaia stands apart. While on a tour of Piazza del Campo’s many attractions, take a few moments to visit the Fonte Gaia and appreciate the quiet that reigns around this masterpiece.
The statues adorning the fountain made the reputation of the sculptor who created it, Jacopo della Quercia, who, after 1419, was called “Jacopo della Fonte.” Standing in the middle of the Piazza del Campo, the fountain was the latest iteration of a series that had been installed since 1346. Today, the fountain in the square is a 19th-century reproduction, with what remains of the original in the Museum of Santa Maria della Scala.
Come to the Fonte Gaia prepared with knowledge of both Roman mythology and Catholic symbolism, because references abound in the white marble. Admire the unusual shape, which is likened to a throne or seat. Start with the side reliefs, each telling a story from Genesis. Notice the depiction of the flight from the Garden of Eden next to a wolf-shaped spout that references the wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus.
Save time to truly appreciate the central figure of Mary, however, who combines traditional Catholic iconography with depictions of ancient Roman virtues. Imagine the statues of Accra Larentis and Rhea Silvia that once stood at the corners. These were the first female nudes to stand in a public place since the end of the Roman Empire. Think about the incredible engineering that brought water here from 15 miles (25 kilometers) away, through underground passages known as bottini.
The Fonte Gaia is located in the Piazza del Campo, the civic and cultural center of the city of Siena dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico. Travel here from the train station in 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bus or car. The Duomo is about a 5-minute walk away. Several metered parking lots, often underground, provide parking for the historic center, but many of the streets are closed to vehicles.
The piazza is open to visitors at all hours. See the fountain beautifully illuminated at night.
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