Fontana del Tritone

"The Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain) graces the heart of Piazza Dante Alighieri in Bergamo's Citta Bassa (Lower Town). This captivating water feature boasts not only aesthetic beauty but also a rich history intertwined with the city's development. The fountain's origins trace back to the 16th century, a period marked by significant urban expansion in Bergamo. Previously, the area where the Piazza Dante Alighieri now stands served as a moat encircling the city walls. As Bergamo's boundaries extended beyond the moat, the need arose for a new water source in the growing district. Construction of the Fontana del Tritone commenced in 1585 under the guidance of architect Giovan Battista Lantana. Notably, the fountain was not just decorative but also served a practical purpose. Water flowed from the mouths of dolphins sculpted into the fountain's base, providing a vital source of fresh water for the inhabitants of the Lower Town. The central figure of the fountain, however, is not a dolphin but the mythical sea god Triton. Triton, son of Poseidon and sea nymph Amphitrite, is depicted as a muscular merman wielding a conch shell that serves as the primary source of water for the fountain. The choice of this specific figure might have been symbolic, representing Bergamo's growing importance as a trade hub and its connection to waterways. Throughout its existence, the Fontana del Tritone has undergone several restorations. The most significant one occurred in the 19th century when the fountain was relocated to its current position in the center of Piazza Dante Alighieri. Today, the fountain continues to be a beloved landmark. "