Hollywood may have done its worst (Roman Holiday and Three Coins in the Fountain) to trash this quiet corner of Rome, nevertheless, this is one of the most lovable creations of the cynical, relaxed Rome of the papal twilight.
Scholars believe Pietro da Cortona first had the idea of combining a fountain with a palace facade. Clement XII's architect, Nicola Salvi, oversaw its building from 1732 to his death in 1762; all the time he spent among the mists and damp finally killed him.
Salvi's design, carried out by a number of sculptors, follows the popular marine mythology fancy of the age: two tritons blowing conch shells conduct Neptune's chariot, flanked by figures representing Abundance and Health (ironically for poor old Salvi). The result is much like a theatre set that later architects added rows of seats for people who enjoy sitting and watching it.
(c) extract from Rome, Cadogan City Guides