Fontana del Pantheon

The fountain that is centrally located in the Piazza della Rotanda (the Pantheon) is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, in my opinion. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575, and is the work of Leonardo Sormani, the marble sculptor. It was also used as a central location for the shooting of Angels and Demons, which I mentioned a week or so ago. If you stand at a far and look at the fountain it looks amazing, but get closer. It turns into a whole new looking fountain if you walk right up to it. The details on this marble giant are great! The one downside of the fountain is that, at least while we were in town, it is always covered with large bugs. The water seems to attract them. Oddly though, I have seen them on no other fountain but this one. This is a great place to hang out on a hot day. Be sure to dip your hands in the cool water and put it on your hot, sunburned neck. It will make you feel a whole lot better. Or, grab some wine or gelato and simply lounge in the shade that sometimes (depending on the time of the day) circles the fountain. It is a hectic area, but around the fountain it gets quiet. If you find yourself in Rome, treat yourself to an evening spent at this location. You will not be let down.