Fountains, Bones, Montague's, Capulet's Oh My, Oh My

Fountain of the Naiads

We began our day climbing to the top of the Viminal Hill where the Fountain of the Naiadis sits in the center of Piazza della Repubblica.  This area is where the Roma Termini is located and is home to the prestigious Teatro dell'Opera which we attended this evening.  It is also where the Diocletian Baths were located. Our central objective was the Fountain of the Naiadi's. It is one of the largest monuments in Rome, with four naked sea nymphs each wrestling a water creature.  Initially, the provocative nature of the fountain was considered obscene resulting in the nymphs being draped.  Later Victor Emanuel's wife said, "this is rediculous".  She disrobed them, and the nymphs could again breathe freely. 

Across the Piazza is the Santa Maria deli Angelico's e dei Martiri (see! Another Mary church) built in the ruins of the Diocletian Baths. The facade is the wall of the frigidarium; the interior of the church is designed by Michelangelo following the form of the Greek cross.  The transept is so large with vast cubical insets at either end that it appears almost as a nave.  The overall affect for me was one of a cube.

Fountain of the Tritans

Leaving Viminal Hill and headed to Quirinal Hill we passed the Santa Maria della Vittoria, where the noted Teresa in Ecstasy sculpture by Bernini presides.  What can I add to my admiration of Bernini's ability to make stone sing?  The sculpture is lit by natural light coming from a hidden sky light.  The whole thing resonates with emotion.

Further on in Piazza Barberinni we searched out The Fountain of the Tritans. It was beautifully set off by a waxing gibbous moon. Again, a Bernini designed fountain. It is the first of his free standing fountains meant as a dramatic celebration of a reconstructed aguaduct.  

Practically next door is the Capuchin Crypt, a completely bazaar yet fascinating space of small chapels beneath the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccino (Ahem! Mary!) The chapels contain the skeletal remains of 3,700 Capuchin friars.  But that is not the interesting fact.  All the bones have been utilized to create decorative motifs.  No photos were allowed so one must link here to get the total effect.  Please note that every decorative aspect is a bone.  https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/santa-maria-della-concezione

After a so-so dinner at la Locanda dei Pugliesi we walked across the street for the opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi, more familiar to us as The Capulets and The Montagues in   Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  There was not a light, fun or joyful moment in this opera. At least Shakespeare let Romeo and Juliet have a night of ecstasy.  Belini's opera was one long sad event.  The singing was superb, though.  
Some pics at Flickr.

Fountains
 The Tritans in Barberini Piazza 
 The Naiads in Piazza Repubblica

Churches
 Mary of the Angles and Martyrs in Piazza Repubblica, Viminal Hill
 Mary of the Conception with the Cappuccino Chapel
 Santa Maria della Vittoria