Fountain of Trianon, Parma

Fountain of Trianon (Fontana del Trianon) in Parma is a real work of art in the center of the city. Monumental creation rises on an island in the middle of a small lake in the Ducal garden.

History

This fountain has a history richer than many castles and palaces. Its construction for his garden was commissioned by the Duke of Parma Francesco Farnese in 1712. The project was led by the architect Giuliano Mozzani, assisted by the French hydraulic engineer Jean Baillieul. The works were finished in 1719. In 1882, a riot occurred in a psychiatric hospital, and some of the patients fled, making riots in the city. The fountain also suffered. 10 of his statues were damaged, and the fountain itself was dismantled. After the restoration, under the leadership of the sculptor Giovanni Chierici, it was opened in 1889 near the theater Reinach. In 1920, the Ducal garden was radically reorganized by the designer Giuseppe Carmignani, and a fountain was installed on the island in the middle of a small pond. And in 1996 it was completely renewed with the efforts of the Fondazione Cariparma.

Architecture

The fountain, decorated with ornaments and curls, has 3 levels along which water flows down. It is made of white Carrara marble, with inserts of green marble. The fountain is crowned with two statues, the allegories of the Taro and Parma rivers, the tributaries of the Po. On each side of them there are sculptures of seated lions. On the middle and lower levels there are three reservoirs into which water flows. Until 1882, the fountain was decorated with 10 more statues: allegories of 4 seasons, as well as paintings and sculptures, and figures of 4 naiads.

How to get there

The fountain is located in the historic center of Parma, on Via Kennedy John Fitzgerald, 6. A few minutes from the park there are the National Archaeological Museum and the Pilotta Palace. Opposite there is a Pilotta stop. It can be reached by buses of routes 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 21, 23.