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.
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