The Piazza Repubblica was part
of the great redevelopment undertaken when Rome became part
of a unified Italy. Under the sweeping 19th Century colonnades
there were once elegant shops, but they have been ousted by
banks, travel agencies and cafes. In the middle of the piazza
stands the Fontana delle Naiadi. Mario Rutelli's four naked
bronze nymphs caused something of a scandal when they were
unveiled in 1901. Each reclines on an aquatic creature symbolizing
water in various forms: a sea horse for the oceans, a water
snake for rivers, a swan for lakes, a swan for lakes, and
a curious frilled lizard for subterranean streams. The figure
in the middle added in 1911, is of the sea god Glacus, who
represents man victorious over the hostile forces of nature.
In the immediate vicinity of Piazza Repubblicayou have Via
Parigi home to the Italian Tourist Board (practically hidden
and not advertised) plus the famous shopping of Via Nazionale.
Did you know?
There is a multi screen Warner Bros Cinema at Piazza Repubblica
which shows the latest blockbuster films in their original
language... so if its raining and you get bored surfing the
web then go to the flicks and take in a movie. |
