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The Piazza Repubblica was part of the
great redevelopment undertaken when Rome became part
of a unified Italy. Under the sweeping 19th Century
colonnades there were once elegant shops, but they have
been ousted by banks, travel agencies and cafes. In
the middle of the piazza stands the Fontana delle Naiadi.
Mario Rutelli's four naked bronze nymphs caused something
of a scandal when they were unveiled in 1901. Each reclines
on an aquatic creature symbolizing water in various
forms: a sea horse for the oceans, a water snake for
rivers, a swan for lakes, a swan for lakes, and a curious
frilled lizard for subterranean streams. The figure
in the middle added in 1911, is of the sea god Glacus,
who represents man victorious over the hostile forces
of nature. In the immediate vicinity of Piazza Repubblicayou
have Via Parigi home to the Italian Tourist Board (practically
hidden and not advertised) plus the famous shopping
of Via Nazionale.
Did you know? There
is a multi screen Warner Bros Cinema at Piazza Repubblicawhich
shows the latest blockbuster films in their original
language... so if its raining and you get bored surfing
the web then go to the flicks and take in a movie.
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