Rome, June 18 – The historic Fontana della Terrina, affectionately known as the “soup tureen” due to its distinctive shape, has been moved from Piazza della Chiesa Nuova. This relocation is a direct consequence of the ongoing construction for the Metro C line, specifically the Chiesa Nuova station. The fountain, originally designed in 1590, is now awaiting its new home in Piazza dell’Orologio, marking its second displacement since its initial removal from Campo de’ Fiori.
Metro C Works Intensify in Piazza della Chiesa Nuova
Construction work for the Metro C line in Piazza della Chiesa Nuova, which began in late February, is proceeding at an accelerated pace. Heavy machinery, including bobcats and excavators, are actively engaged on site, and work is even being conducted on Saturdays to expedite the project. Large green silos and stability sensors placed on the exterior walls of the Santa Maria della Vallicella church, also known as San Filippo Neri’s church, indicate deep excavation is underway.
The Metro C project aims to expand Rome’s public transport network, with future scenic stops planned near Piazza Venezia and Piazza Pia, intended to benefit tourists. However, the construction has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the impact on the historic urban fabric and local community.
Resident Protests and Economic Concerns
Local residents have voiced strong opposition to the project, citing concerns over the stability of historical monuments, increased traffic congestion, and significant economic losses for local businesses. The owner of a pharmacy overlooking the square reported a 20% drop in turnover, attributing it to the construction barriers and reduced foot traffic.
Residents have formally appealed to Minister Giuli, requesting a project variant that would either reduce or eliminate the planned large reinforced concrete structure for the new metro station. They are also seeking financial compensation from the Campidoglio for their losses, although no concrete commitments have been made yet.
The community’s distress was first evident with the installation of the construction barriers, followed by the removal of three ancient paulownia trees, one estimated to be around three hundred years old, which were beloved by the poet Trilussa and dominated Piazza della Chiesa Nuova. The latest source of discomfort is the disappearance of the Fontana della Terrina, a symbolic landmark of the square and the district.
The “Wandering” History of the Fontana della Terrina
The Fontana della Terrina has a rich and peripatetic history. Designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1590 under the commission of Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni, it was initially situated in the center of Campo de’ Fiori, near the current location of the Giordano Bruno statue. At that time, it was an oval basin. In 1622, Pope Gregory XV Ludovisi ordered the addition of a travertine lid to prevent its misuse for washing fruits and vegetables or disposing of rubbish, earning it the nickname “soup tureen.”
The fountain remained in Campo de’ Fiori until 1899, when it was dismantled to make way for the monument to Giordano Bruno. After several years in a municipal warehouse, it was reinstalled in Piazza della Chiesa Nuova in 1924. Its upcoming relocation to Piazza dell’Orologio marks another chapter in its eventful journey through Rome’s urban landscape.
Calls for Preservation and Sustainable Development
The relocation of the Fontana della Terrina and the broader Metro C construction project underscore the ongoing tension between urban development and historical preservation in Rome. Heritage organizations like Italia Nostra have advocated against the archeostations and silos, urging for constructive variants to the project that would minimize its impact on the city’s invaluable heritage.
The city’s vulnerability to various urban challenges, including traffic, tree management, flooding, and hydrogeological risks, further complicates large-scale infrastructure projects. As Rome continues to expand and modernize, balancing the needs of its growing population with the imperative to protect its ancient past remains a critical challenge.
