Fontana Angelica, Turin
Fontana Angelica strikes visitors of Turin with beauty. Masons deem it has a magical sense, whereas all the others can simply admire the well-executed sculptures of the fountain. The square where the fountain is located divides the historical Turin into 2 architectural parts: baroque and classical one.
History of Fontana Angelica
On 14 March, 1919, the minister Paolo Bajnotti died, having left a considerable heritage. Part of it, 150,000 lire, was bequeathed to be spent on the construction of a fountain dedicated to his mother. Initially, it was to be installed on San Giovanni square, opposite Turin Cathedral. However, the decision was cancelled because of the protests of the clergy.
The construction began in 1922 overseen by the sculptor Giovanni Riva. Due to a significant increase in the cost of the project (up to 700,000 lire), the work lasted 7 years. The fountain was opened in Solferino square on 28 October, 1929. According to the will of the late minister, it was named after his mother, Angelica Cugiani Bajnotti.
Sculptural composition
The fountain consists of a water reservoir and is adorned with sculptures. It has a length of 26 and a width of 23 metres. Gray granite, galvanized iron, and bronze were used to create the statues. One can only wonder how beautifully and in detail they were made. In total, there are 4 groups of sculptures, which should be viewed through the prism of the Masonic symbolism and Roman mythology. Each of them symbolizes 4 seasons:
- Spring. A statue of a young woman holding a bird's nest and a child on her lap is located in the lower left part. The child lets out swallows into the sky. It symbolizes pure love and virtue.
- Summer. A statue of a mature woman with a child holding a bunch of grapes. It is placed in the lower right part and is a symbol of vicious love and lust.
- Autumn. A statue of a young and strong man who turns his back to the viewer and looks to the west. It is located in the upper left part of the fountain.
- Winter. A statue of an elderly bearded man sitting on interwoven branches and roots. His face is turned to the viewer, and his glance is directed to the east. This sculpture is placed in the upper right part of the fountain.
Seen from behind, the figures of the men form a regular rectangle. These statues symbolize the edge of the known world, the pillars of Hercules and their custodians, Boaz and Jachin. In masonry, the image of the pillars of Solomon's temple, which became one of the symbols of the brotherhood, may be frequently encountered. The rectangle between them signifies the gates of mystery and knowledge. Water, pouring out of the vessels in the men's hands, is the sacred knowledge. It is said that the sculptor turned a bit the head of one of the statues when the location of the fountain was changed.
Fontana Angelica is considered one of the most mysterious places in Turin. It is one of the must-see landmarks included in the tour around a night city that starts in Statuto square.
How to get there
The fountain is located in the northern part of Piazza Solferino, in the very heart of the city. The palaces of Grondona and Lascaris sit nearby. There is the Solferino bus stop that can be reached by the buses 14, 19, 29, 59, 63, 67.
