Fontana della Navicella | |
|---|---|
| Fountain | |
 La fontana della Navicella in front ofSanta Maria in Domnica | |
| Design | Andrea Sansovino |
| Location | Rome |
 Interactive map of Fontana della Navicella | |
| Coordinates:41°53′05″N12°29′45″E / 41.88475°N 12.49586°E /41.88475; 12.49586 | |
TheFontana della Navicella (Fountain of the Small Ship) is afountain built around a marble and travertine replica of an Ancient Roman sculpture, depicting a decorated RomanGalley, and erected in front of the church ofSanta Maria in Domnica ofRome, Italy. While the statue is a copy (1518–1519) made byAndrea Sansovino on commission from Pope Leo X based on fragments discovered near the church.[1]
The origins of the ship sculpture are vague. The prow of the galley is decorated with a boar's head. Some attribute the sculpture as having been part of a chapel dedicated to the cult of the goddessIsis, protector of mariners, used by sailors housed near here during the Ancient Roman empire. Others claim it was an ex voto from theCastra Peregrina, housed near here and consisting of soldiers from regions from provinces distal to Rome, many of whom traveled here by ship.
For years it formed part of the entrance to the church, but in 1931 it was formulated as part of a fountain in front of the church. It suffers frequent vandalism.[2]
Media related toFontana della Navicella (Rome) at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Nasone | Landmarks of Rome Fontana della Navicella, Rome | Succeeded by Fountain of Neptune, Rome |