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.
