City of Water Tour

Tour Description

The tour starts with a stroll down via Veneto and the avenue of La Dolce Vita which is one of the most expensive
streets in Rome. It is well known for its upscale shops and cafes. We will pass Palazzo Margherita which is the American embassy on the way to Piazza Barberini where you will take in the beauty of the Fountain of the Bees and the Triton Fountain. Piazza Barberini was named after the Barberini family for the family's estate located there.

At the center of the piazza is the Triton Fountain which was sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and built in 1643. In the Triton fountain Bernini incorporated heraldic symbols of Pope Urban VIII. Bernini became well known for his unique way of incorporating water into his sculptures. This work of art has intrigued visitors for more than three-and-a-half centuries. The base of the fountain is held by 4 dolphins with a large triton kneeling on the tailfins. The triton's arms are raised while holding a conch shell to his lips. A jet of water spurts from the shell, which ,in times past, was propelled much higher.

In the square is the imposing Palazzo Barberini which houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica. The most famous
piece of work here, by Raphael, is called La Fornarina. This collection is known as one of the most important
painting collections in Italy.

Palazzo Barberini was constructed by the most famous architects of the day, such as Maderno, Borromini, and Bemini. Each architect contributed his own style in some way to the building which adds to its uniqueness.  There are many heraldic symbols of the Barberini's such as bees and the sun which can be found throughout.

Across the square and up the hill you will find a treasure tucked away. It is Via Quattro Fontane or the Four Fountains.
They were built by Muzio Mattei between 1588 and 1593 at the request of Pope Sixtus V. This intersection is the highest point on Rome's highest hill. These four fountains represent Rome with the Tiber River, Arno River, goddess
Juno, which symbolizes strength, and goddess Diana, which symbolizes Chastity.

Walking along the Palazzo Quirinale leads to the Quirinale square which is where the Presidential Palace is located
today. This is one of the most important places in Rome as it has housed thirty popes, four kings, and eleven
presidents. From this square, St. Peter's dome is also visible.

The Trevi Fountain is our next stop which is considered the most famous in all of Rome. This spectacular fountain stands at 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide! The Trevi Fountain as seen today was designed by Nicola Salvi and was completed in 1762. While you are admiring this impressive masterpiece, do not forget to throw a coin into the water. It is said that if you toss a coin into the fountain then you will one day return to Rome. Just seeing the Trevi Fountain again would make your next visit well worth it!.

Our last stop of the day is a visit to a roman insula which is an apartment block where we will marvel at the water
tank of the roman times. Ice cream, cappuccinos, and rest awaits us here.