When was the Goddess Flora Fountain built and why?

The Goddess Flora Fountain was erected in 1887 to mark the installation of the municipal aqueduct system. It was constructed to celebrate the arrival of water from the slopes of Mount Ascensione near the Polesio locality, making it a significant infrastructure milestone for the city.

Where is the Goddess Flora Fountain located?

The fountain is situated near the church of S. Nicolò, as documented in Ferdinando Fabiani's descriptive map from 1694. This historic location places it in a religiously significant area of the city, making it easy to find by using the church as a landmark.

What is special about the fountain's design and materials?

The Goddess Flora Fountain is made of cast iron and was manufactured in a specialized French foundry known for such artistic work. The fountain features an octagonal basin adorned with eagles and lions, topped with a central stem supporting a winged figure of the goddess Flora intertwined with flowering wreaths by a putto, all set on a stone base.

What does the winged woman figure on top of the fountain represent?

The winged woman figure represents the goddess Flora, who symbolizes Spring in classical mythology. This choice of deity is particularly fitting for a fountain celebrating the life-giving waters brought by the municipal aqueduct.

What architectural details should I look for when visiting the fountain?

Pay attention to the ornate octagonal basin with its sculptural details of eagles and lions on the four sides, the sturdy central stem, and the decorative putto holding a flowering wreath around the goddess Flora. The cast iron craftsmanship and stone base showcase the quality of 19th-century European fountain artistry.

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Fountains, Squares and Bridges 📍 Offida, Italy 263 views

Goddess Flora Fountain

Photo · Ria L.

Goddess Flora Fountain — Offida, Italy.

Location

Offida

Type

Fountains, Squares and Bridges

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About Goddess Flora Fountain

Goddess Flora Fountain - Offida | Secret World Trip Planner

It was erected near the church of S. Nicolò, as it results from the descriptive map of Ferdinando Fabiani (1694), on the occasion of the installation of the municipal aqueduct (1887), using the waters coming from the slopes of Mount Ascensione, near the Polesio locality. Made of cast iron, it stands on a stone base. The basin is octagonal, with eagles and lions on the four sides. At the center stands a sturdy stem, holding a cup with a figure of a winged woman on top, intertwined with a flowering wreath by a putto. The figure of the winged woman represents the goddess Flora (symbol of Spring). The fountain was cast in a French foundry specializing in such work.