 The copy of the Robba fountain in the Town Square, Ljubljana, with St. Nicholas Cathedral in the background |
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| Artist | Francesco Robba |
|---|---|
| Year | 1743–1751 |
| Type | Sculpture-fountain |
| Location | Ljubljana |
| Coordinates: 46°3′0.41″N 14°30′25.12″E / 46.0501139°N 14.5069778°E | |
The Robba Fountain (Slovene: Robbov vodnjak), since the first half of the 20th century also known as the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (Vodnjak treh kranjskih rek), is the fountain that stands in front of the Ljubljana Town Hall at Town Square in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.[1] It was originally made in 1751 by the Italian sculptor Francesco Robba and is one of the city's most recognisable symbols.[1]
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History [edit]
The fountain was commissioned to Francesco Robba in 1743, but was unveiled only in 1751. In its creation, Robba was inspired by Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) at Piazza Navona during a visit to Rome, but he modelled it after Fontana del Pantheon, the fountain by Filippo Barigioni at Piazza della Rotonda.[1] In 2006, the original fountain was renovated and moved into the National Gallery, whereas at Town Square it has been replaced by a replica.[2]
Description [edit]
The fountain consists of three male figures with jugs, that came several years after the fountain's creation to supposedly represent the gods of the three rivers of Carniola: Ljubljanica, Sava and Krka, and later as well the three territorial units of Carniola: the Upper Carniola, the Lower Carniola, and the Inner Carniola. Steps that lead up to the fountain represent the Carniolan mountains. The water pool has a shape of a shell. In the center of the fountain stands a 10-metre (33 ft) obelisk.[2]
Cultural significance [edit]
After Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia, the Robba fountain was portrayed by Rudi Španzel on the 5000 Slovenian tolar banknote.[3] It was in circulation from December 1993 until the introduction of euro in January 2007.[4][3] Since 2001, the fountain has been protected as a cultural monument of national significance.[5]
References [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Robba Fountain |
- ^ a b c Lorenčak Kiker, Marja (2010). "The Robba Fountain: The Story of the City's Symbol". Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ a b Kermavnar, Simona. "Robbov vodnjak v Ljubljani" [Robba Fountain in Ljubljana]. In Šmid Hribar, Mateja; Golež, Gregor; Podjed, Dan; Kladnik, Drago; Erhartič, Bojan; Pavlin, Primož; Ines, Jerele. Enciklopedija naravne in kulturne dediščine na Slovenskem – DEDI [Encylopedia of Natural and Cultural Heritage in Slovenia] (in Slovene). Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- ^ a b Šiška, Marko (January 2012). "Twenty Years of National Currency". Www.ukom.gov.si. Government Communication Office, Republic of Slovenia.
- ^ "5000 SIT". Banka Slovenije [Bank of Slovenia]. 2006. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ^ "387: Ljubljana - Robbov vodnjak" [387: Ljubljana – The Robba Fountain]. Register nepremične kulturne dediščine [Registry of Immovable Cultural Heritage] (in Slovene). Ministry of Culture, Republic of Slovenia. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
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