Maderno Fountain
Two fountains anchor the north and south of St. Peter’s Square, built to ornament the space in front of the basilica. The Maderno fountain on the north side was redesigned in 1612–1614 by Carlo Maderno, who kept the old lower vasque and added a new octagonal base with steps, small columns, and four stone scrolls, while replacing the upper vasque with an inverted mushroom-like cap. The water source for the fountain was boosted when the Aqua Traiana was rebuilt as the Acqua Paola during Pope Paul V’s century, providing a more abundant supply. You’ll hear that Bernini later contributed the companion fountain in 1667–1677, completing the pair that frames the square. …
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