The Fontana Maggiore is located in the center of the main square of Perugia, the name is translated into Russian as the "Big Fountain". Maggiore is called one of the most interesting and beautiful fountains in Italy..
- Recommended: Trevi Fountain in Rome
History reference
The Maggiore fountain was built in the second half of the 13th century, it was built for 3 years - from 1275 to 1278. The author of the project was a monk named Fra Bevignate, who also designed the cathedral of San Lorenzo (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo), located nearby.
The famous sculptor of that time Niccolo Pisano with assistants, one of whom was his son, embodied Bevinigne's ideas. The customer was the commune.
The reason for the creation of the fountain was the completion of the aqueduct.
Until the mid-13th century, townspeople took water from wells, and in 1254 it was decided to build a water supply system to supply Perugia with fresh water from a spring, which is located several kilometers from the city on Mount Pacciano.
The fountain was badly damaged during the earthquake that occurred 70 years after its construction - in 1348. In the 20th century, the Maggiore Fountain was restored 2 times: in 1948-1949 and in 1995-1999.
Description
The Maggiore Fountain is two fairly large pools located one above the other. Both are polygon shaped. A bronze bowl rises above the upper pool with the figures of three women holding a vessel of water.
Panels of large bowls are decorated with various sculptures and bas-reliefs. On 24 faces of the lower basin are zodiac signs, scenes from the life of Samson and David, as well as Romulus and Remus, the heroes of Aesop's fables, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, etc.
The pink panels of the upper pool are framed by white stone. At the joints of the panels are columns and sculptures of heroes of myths and bible characters. There are two statues depicting 13th-century city rulers — Matteo Correggio, who was mayor and head of the commune Eramano da Sassoferrato. There are also figures representing the cities of Tusi and Perugia, as well as Lake Trasimeno.
On the outer perimeter of the fountain is surrounded by a metal grill, designed to serve as protection against vandals.
How to find
Finding Maggiore is quite simple. The fountain is located on the square on November 4 (Piazza IV Novembre) - the main city square of Perugia. On one side of it stands the Palace of Priorov (Palazzo dei Priori), on the other side is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
We add that you can take a walk along the aqueduct that goes to the fountain. The gutter was paved from above, a railing was built and the aqueduct turned into a pedestrian bridge.
