La Fontana Dell'amore "amarsi Nei Sassi"
Italy
Five bronze statues that tell us how young people fell in love in the Sassi of Matera between simple gestures and ancient customs.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to one of Matera's most evocative modern landmarks: La Fontana dell'Amore, or the Fountain of Love. Located along the scenic Via Muro in the heart of the historic Sassi districts, this bronze sculptural complex is much…
Listen in the app2Via Muro — The Setting of the Scene
The location of the fountain is as significant as the sculpture itself. Via Muro is one of the most picturesque streets in Matera, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Sassi di Barisano and the rugged Murgia plateau across the…
Listen in the app3The Three Young Men — The Art of the Glance
The sculptural complex features five life-sized bronze figures, and we begin with the three young men. Notice their poses: they are leaning against the wall or standing nearby, appearing 'unpo' impacciati'—a bit awkward or shy,…
Listen in the app4The Two Girls and the 'Ricciole'
Opposite the boys are two young women, the 'fanciulle,' who have come to the fountain with their 'ricciole'—the traditional clay pots used for carrying water. One girl is shown in the act of bending over to collect the water,…
Listen in the app5The Geco — The Symbol of Perennial Love
As you examine the fountain, look for a small, subtle detail that carries deep meaning: the image of the 'geco' or lizard. In Matera, the lizard is considered a 'millenary' animal, a creature that has inhabited the stones of the…
Listen in the app6Domenico Sepe and the Crafting of Bronze
The artistic success of the Fountain of Love is due to the skill of Domenico Sepe, a renowned sculptor who specialized in figurative realism. To create these five figures, Sepe went beyond mere artistic imagination. …
Listen in the app7A New Attractor for the Eternal City
Since its inauguration, the Fontana dell'Amore has become what the locals call a 'nuovo attrattore'—a new attractor. It has quickly joined the ranks of the great cathedrals and rock-cut churches as a must-visit spot in Matera. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our time at the Fontana dell'Amore, take a final look at the five bronze figures and the ancient stones of Via Muro. This spot captures the very essence of Matera—a place where the past is never truly gone, but is…
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What is La Fontana Dell'amore "amarsi Nei Sassi"?
La Fontana Dell'amore "amarsi Nei Sassi" is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.6678, 16.6023 |
| Last updated |
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