Fountain of Two Rivers, Modena
Fountain of Two Rivers (Fontana dei due fiumi) is one of the most beautiful fountains of Modena. It is located in the city center, and even at the opening it caused admiration of the townspeople. Now it is in need of the restoration, but, nevertheless, surprises with its beauty and symbolism. In the period between the First and Second World Wars, Mayor Guido Sandonnino put forward a project to create a new water supply system. In commemoration of the completion of the work a series of fountains was created. The Fountain of Two Rivers became its peak. Its project involved the sculptor Giuseppe Graziosi. The fountain was opened on July 25, 1938. After the end of World War II, it was repaired, replacing the water supply and lighting system. Another restoration dates back to 1988. Then the fountain was refined again.
Sculptural composition
The fountain was created quite rationalistically, with simplified geometric shapes. It consists of several round flowing pools, and two marble statues. The latter symbolize the two rivers surrounding the city, and they are turned to the appropriate channels. The sculpture of a man facing the east represents the Panaro River. In his right hand he holds a jug, from which water flows, and in the left – a branch of the tree, indicating the frequent floods caused by the river. The figure of the girl, facing west, represents the Secchia River. She has a bunch of ears on her shoulder, water flows from them, symbolizing the fertility of the river valley. But the girl steps on the frog, again indicating frequent flooding. In the evening, the fountain is very beautiful due to its fascinating illumination.
How to get there
The fountain is located in the center of Modena, on Largo G. Garibaldi, near the intersection with Viale Virginia Reiter. 10 minutes away there is the Figurine Museum and the Lapidary Museum of the Duomo. Nearby there is a stop Garibaldi. It can be reached by buses of routes 2, 3, 4, 7, 7A, 8, 12, 391, 740, 820.
