The lion in the symmetrical setting.

Symmetry is a key word throughout the centre of Rome and many places offer superb symmetrical beauty from churches to fountains, as well as entire open area. An excellent example of this is Piazza del Popolo. From various angles of the square, you can marvel at how wonderfully the statues and buildings are lined up.

As you can see in my photo, the Egyptian lion is perfectly in line with the “twin” churches behind it, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. However, what is the story behind these lions of which there are four at the centre of the square at the foot of the tall obelisk?

The four marble lions were an addition in 1823 by the architect Giuseppe Valadier during a major restructuring of Piazza del Popolo.  They are copies of ancient statues of lions that stood at the foot of the Capitol (the Capitoline Hill) and fit in with the Egyptian theme already offered by the central obelisk. Work took place at the request of Pope Leo XII. The Fountain of the Lions was positioned in place of a previous fountain created by Giacomo della Porta in the late 1500s. That fountain can now be found in Piazza Nicosia, almost a kilometre away from its original position.

Under each marble lion, you can see a rectangular travertine base that goes up in steps, getting smaller on each level. By the rising angle, you can imagine that if the steps were to continue upwards it would actually form the shape of a pyramid. Water from the mouths of the lions finishes up in travertine basins underneath.

The most recent restoration of the obelisk and the lions took place from 2013-2016, making it possible for visitors nowadays to enjoy them in their full beauty.

Written by: Robert Coghlan

Photo by: Robert Coghlan