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Farnese Fountain in Leonessa: A Renaissance Gift in the Heart of the Square
The Farnese Fountain, also known as the Margaritiana, stands at the centre of Piazza VII Aprile in Leonessa. It dates back to the mid-16th century, it is made of Florentine stone, and has an octagonal plan. The fountain tells the story of the bond between this Apennine town and the Farnese family, one of the most powerful families of the Italian Renaissance.
The Commission and the Role of Margaret of Austria
According to the inscription carved on the basin, the fountain was a gift to the town of Leonessa from Margaret of Austria, wife of Ottavio Farnese. Historical sources, however, tell a different story: the work was conceived and commissioned by the town's Priors as part of the urban renewal programme launched after the Duchess's visit. Having obtained her permission in 1547, the Priors entrusted the work to master Nicola di Joanni Carlo from Florence, given the task of completing the fountain within a year and building a stone aqueduct to supply it with water.
The Fountain’s Structure
The fountain is raised on three steps, and features a basin with four coats of arms carved in relief — including that of the Municipality — surrounded by ribbon decorations. The central baluster, also octagonal, features four dolphins and four mascarons. At the top, three winged female figures support a pyramid crowned by a sphere. The water spouts are located in the mascarons, the winged figures, and the sphere.
