Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire.

The other day we did a field exercise, where were split into groups of two and had to lead the class to a fountain somewhere in the city. Eric and I were partners and we decided on Il Fontana dei Tritoni. It's located in Piazza della Bocca della Veritá, and the little garden/park area it is situated in also houses the Temples of the Forum Boarium, Hercules and Portunus. The fountain was created by Carlo Bizzaccheri in 1715. Bizzaccheri was apparently strongly influenced by Bernini in the creation of Fontana dei Tritoni, because of its "theme and position."



After we succesfully navigated the cobblestones of Trastevere and crossed the Tiber to our fountain, Mia let us know what was around us: Bocca della Veritá. It was pure coincidence that we had discussed this just the day before. Legend has it that this "Mouth of Truth" would slam closed if a liar put his hand inside. Of course we all wanted to give it a try, and luckily none of us lost any appendages, but it would have made for a more interesting story if that mouth had closed ...

1. "Fontana dei Tritoni, Rome MyTravelGuide.com." Travel Guides and Hotel Reviews MyTravelGuide.com. 03 June 2009 http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-78381605-Italy_Rome_Fontana_dei_Tritoni.html.

2. Publishing, DK. Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides). New York: DK Travel, 2006.

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