Are you and your kids looking for a unique way to explore Rome? Then look no further than the city’s fascinating array of animal statues! From majestic lions to playful dolphins, these sculptures are sure to bring history alive in an exciting way. Whether you’re on a family vacation or just exploring with friends, here’s why visiting the amazing animal statues in Rome is something you won’t want to miss.
Rome’s collection of animal statues offers so much more than meets the eye. As well as being incredibly beautiful works of art, they also have captivating stories behind them – some dating back thousands of years! Each one has its own special symbolism that can help teach children about ancient cultures and traditions. Plus, many of them come with interesting myths and legends attached too – perfect for sparking imaginations young and old alike.
Exploring these incredible pieces of history will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for you and your kids. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to go wild on your next Roman adventure with this guide to all things furry (and scaly!) at Rome’s most beloved animal statues!
Romes She Wolf
Did you know that Rome is home to over 900 statues? One of the most iconic and beloved sculptures in the city is the She-Wolf, located in the Capitoline Museums. This particular statue dates all the way back to 500 BC and depicts a female wolf suckling two babies, Romulus and Remus, who are believed to be the founders of ancient Rome.
The She-wolf has become an important symbol not just for Italy but also for Romans around the world as it represents their shared ancestry with one another. It’s commonly used in Italian coats of arms, logos and other symbols throughout the country. Additionally, its popularity amongst children makes it a great sightseeing destination when visiting Rome; kids love catching a glimpse of this impressive sculpture!
The She-Wolf is definitely worth seeing if travelling with your family. Its beautiful detail combined with historical significance make it truly breathtaking – no matter what age you are! Whether you wander through the museum or admire her from afar, there’s something special about coming face-to-face with such an incredible piece of art. And Bernini’s elephant awaits: another spectacular animal statue that will captivate any child (or adult!).
Berninis Elephant
The Bernini elephant is a majestic sight that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale. It stands tall and proud in the bustling Piazza della Minerva, like an invincible being from another era. If you look closely at it, however, you can observe how its bronze composition shines with ancient wisdom – as if it had been standing there for centuries and could tell tales about all the people who’ve ever seen it.
This sculpture was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1667, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII Chigi. The artwork itself symbolizes faith overcoming obstacles because there’s a small obelisk between the front legs of the animal. This allegory is beautifully depicted using a variety of techniques: from the details of the wrinkles on its skin to the way it looks almost alive while still maintaining its sturdy form.
There are several aspects which make this statue special enough to attract kids and adults alike:
1) Its size – measuring nine feet high and twelve feet long, it’s truly impressive;
2) Its location – right at the center of Rome’s historical district;
3) Its symbolism – reminding us that our beliefs should always overcome any obstacle we might face along life’s journey.
Seeing this place will definitely be one of your family’s most memorable moments during their stay in Rome! From here, why not take them to see “the sow of via della scrofa”? They’re sure to enjoy seeing another captivating piece from Italian art history!
The Sow Of Via Della Scrofa
The Sow of Via della Scrofa is an iconic work of art in Rome that you and your kids will love. Its imposing size, beautiful sculpturesque features, and intricate details are sure to captivate the imagination. Gaze upon its marble curves and painted fur rendered so realistically it almost seems alive – a truly mesmerizing experience for young eyes! The sow stands proud on her pedestal made from travertine stone, befittingly placed at the center of Piazza del Campidoglio with the ancient Roman Forum behind her. Her presence has been felt throughout history as she’s watched over the city since 1514 when she was sculpted by Andrea Sansovino.
Admirers can circle around this piece and take in every detail; even after centuries of wear and tear it still retains much of its original glory. From its snout to tail, there’s not a single crevice or angle left untouched by Sansovino’s masterful handiwork – no wonder why it continues to draw admirers today! It’s easy to lose yourself among these timeless works of art found all throughout the Eternal City. As you explore more sites like the Sow of Via della Scrofa, get ready for another classic: Marcus Aurelius’ Horse sculpture just steps away from here!
Marcus Aurelius Horse
The Marcus Aurelius Horse statue is a must-see for any family visiting Rome. This majestic work of art stands proudly atop a pedestal in the heart of the city and serves as an incredible reminder of Roman history. Here’s why you and your kids will love it:
• Its grandeur – The horse stands almost 15 feet high, making it one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Rome! It’s sure to catch everyone’s attention with its breathtaking beauty.
• Its symbolism – The horse is said to represent strength, bravery, and power–all values that we can all appreciate today.
• Its location – This sculpture rests at the Piazza del Campidoglio overlooking the Roman Forum, so there are plenty of other monuments to explore nearby.
Not only does this piece capture the essence of Ancient Rome but it also provides a great opportunity for young eyes to admire some amazing artwork up close. Whether you take photos or simply enjoy the view from afar, this ancient animal sculpture is sure to be enjoyed by all ages. For those wanting something truly unique and memorable on their trip to Rome, look no further than Marcus Aurelius Horse.
The Horse Statue On Vittoriano
The Horse Statue on Vittoriano is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome with kids. The large equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II stands in the center of Piazza Venezia, surrounded by other buildings and monuments from Italy’s past. This impressive bronze sculpture was built in 1911 to commemorate the unification of Italy and symbolizes strength, majesty, and power. Kids will love looking up at this giant monument!
Here are three interesting facts about the horse statue:
• It was designed by sculptors Angelo Zanelli and Ettore Ximenes using sketches drawn by famed Italian architect Giuseppe Sacconi.
• Its height measures 12 metres (39 feet) tall when including its base.
• In front of it lies an inscription which reads “VIVA IL RE” or “Long Live the King!”
Admiring this awe-inspiring artwork is sure to be an enjoyable experience for any family visiting Rome—and one that your kids won’t soon forget! Now let’s move onto another beautiful piece of art located nearby — Barberini’s Bees.
Barberinis Bees
One of the most iconic animal statues in Rome, Italy is the Barberini Bees. The Bees are located on the steps of Palazzo Barberini and were created to honor Pope Urban VIII as a symbol of fertility, power and protection for his papacy. As you look at it from afar, you can appreciate the intricate details that make up this impressive work of art. Its bronze structure stands out among the other sculptures around it and its wings seem to reach out beyond its body, giving it an almost mystical appearance.
The symbolism behind these sculpted bees goes far beyond their beauty; they represent “the bee-like industry which characterized Pope Urban’s rule”. He was a man who had great influence within the Church during his reign and he wanted a monument that would remind people of his legacy after he passed away. This statue has become one of those monuments that will remain standing in Rome long after we are all gone – leaving behind a powerful reminder of Pope Urban’s accomplishments.
This sculpture is undoubtedly eye catching with its intricately crafted design and detailed features – making it a must see destination when visiting Rome. It serves as both an artistic representation of history but also as a signpost for what could be achieved through hard work and dedication to your dream – something that everyone should take into account while exploring this amazing city! With such symbolic meaning wrapped up in this wonderful piece, it is no wonder why so many visitors flock to behold the Barberini Bees each year. And now, let us turn our attention to Sant Eustachio Stag – another equally fascinating animal statue in Rome.
Sant Eustachios Stag
Sant Eustachios Stag is a beloved animal statue in Rome that you and your kids will love. The bronze stag stands tall at the Obelisk of Sant’Eustachio, located near Piazza Navona in the heart of Rome. It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to represent two saints: Saint Hubert, who found Christ while hunting deer, and Saint Eustace, who saw Jesus between antlers on a golden stag.
The sculpture has become an iconic symbol of Rome with its grandeur and majestic beauty. Here are three reasons why this awe-inspiring statue should be visited by families traveling through Italy:
• Its rich historical background – A great opportunity for children to learn about Italian culture and history.
• Its impressive size – Standing at almost 8 feet tall, it’s sure to capture attention from young tourists.
• Its symbolic meaning – Representing faith through nature, it helps instill positive values in youngsters.
It’s no surprise then that Sant Eustachios Stag is one of the most popular statues for visitors to admire in Rome; whether it’s simply taking photos or exploring its significance with the family, this magnificent piece is not to be missed! As soon as you approach the obelisk where it stands proud, there’s a certain energy that captures everyone’s imagination – making them want to take part in discovering all that Rome has to offer. Now let’s move onto the next animal statue in our list – ‘The Snake Of The Fountain Of The Four Rivers’.
The Snake Of The Fountain Of The Four Rivers
The Snake of the Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of Rome’s most beloved animal statues. It stands in the Piazza Navona, a historic square that was built on top of an Ancient Roman stadium. The fountain itself showcases four figures representing various rivers from around Europe and each holds up a corner of an enormous marble shell that supports a large snake standing atop it. This amazing sculpture symbolizes how all four European rivers are connected through its intertwined body shape.
Visitors to the piazza can’t help but be mesmerized by this impressive work of art crafted out of bronze by Bernini in 1651. Its writhing coils give off a sense of power as if it were ready to strike at any moment—but don’t worry, it won’t! Kids will love playing “I Spy” with their siblings or friends while looking for new details within the intricacy of this sculpture.
This majestic statue has stood tall in Piazza Navona for centuries, captivating countless generations who have admired its beauty and grandeur. Whether you’re visiting Rome with your family or just strolling around town alone, make sure not to miss out on experiencing this piece of artwork firsthand. From its awe-inspiring scale to its intricate detail, there’s definitely something here that everyone can appreciate! And with that said, let’s move onto our next stop: the Cat of Via della Gatta!
The Cat Of Via Della Gatta
Have you ever taken a stroll in the streets of Rome, only to bump into a bronze figure of a cat? If so, then what you encountered was likely the Cat of Via Della Gatta. This statue is a favorite among both adults and children alike for its mysterious allure.
The sculpture was crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1667-68 as part of his commission from Pope Alexander VII Chigi. The mischievous feline stands atop an ornate pedestal which features four draped figures that represent Time, Day, Night, and Dawn—a fitting backdrop for such an intriguing creature!
This captivating work of art captures the essence of Rome with its vibrant history and culture. Its mystery invites viewers to take pause and ponder what secrets it conceals beneath its ancient gaze. What’s more, this piece serves as a reminder to appreciate our surroundings while we explore new places. From the Cat of Via Della Gatta to Trevi Fountain’s Horses, there are countless statues throughout Rome just waiting to be discovered!
Trevi Fountains Horses
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s adorned with two magnificent horses rearing up on their hind legs. It’s an image that has been captured countless times by visitors over the years – a powerful reminder of both the beauty and history of this ancient city. What many people don’t know though, is just how long these horses have been standing guard here at the fountain.
It turns out that there has always been some kind of horse statue at this spot since before Ancient Roman times (in fact, legend even tells us that Hannibal passed through here with his elephants!). But it wasn’t until 1762 when Nicola Salvi commissioned Bernini to create the current sculptures as part of his renovation of the fountain that we got what we now see today.
So be sure to take your kids down to marvel at these beautiful animals while you’re visiting Rome! They’ll love seeing them come alive right before their eyes – complete with crystal clear water shimmering off their strong muscles. And who knows? Maybe they too will become inspired by them like so many others have throughout history. From here, why not head to San Luigi dei Francesi Church to check out its famous salamanders?
The Salamanders Of San Luigi Dei Francesi
The Salamanders of San Luigi dei Francesi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about animal statues in Rome, but it is certainly one of the most interesting. On a sunny day, if you take your kids for a stroll through this historic area, they will be delighted with these amphibian figures adorning the church entrance. Ironically enough, although named after an ancient reptile species, these sculptures were actually created in 1722 by two prominent Italian sculptors from Florence.
The impressive stone salamanders are life-sized and have been painstakingly crafted into realistic shapes and sizes. In their heads are intricate designs depicting four petals which represent different aspects of Christianity: faith, hope, charity and humility – making them truly special works of art. If your children look closely at the details on each sculpture’s face, they might even spot small holes where precious gems used to be embedded!
San Luigi dei Francesi is definitely worth visiting as part of any family outing in Rome; there can’t be many churches around with such unique decorations outside its entrance. The beauty and intricacy of these sculptures will surely captivate both young minds and experienced eyes alike. As you leave the church grounds, don’t forget to marvel at all those wonderful animal statues surrounding it before heading off to explore more of what Rome has to offer! From here we move onto exploring some other amazing animal statues found within Rome’s museums.
Animal Statues In Romes Museums
With the sun shining brightly above, Rome is a city teeming with life and culture. But among these bustling sites, there are also incredible animal statues that will capture your kids’ attention like no other! From lions to dragons, Rome’s museums feature some of the most unique sculptures in the world.
As you wander through the cobbled streets of this historic city, keep an eye out for animals from antiquity. Take a trip into the depths of San Luigi dei Francesi where two majestic salamanders guard its entrance. Or take a journey back over 2,000 years ago when Hadrian’s Pantheon was built- marvel at their intricate stone carvings depicting mythical creatures such as griffins and sphinxes.
Your family will be amazed by all that Rome has to offer; its wealth of animal statues will surely leave everyone with lasting memories of your time here. Whether it’s peering up at ancient gods or admiring intricate marble work, there really is something for everyone to enjoy!