 Piazza
Mattei is one of the most central squares in Rome. It is named after
the one of the noble family families of Rome- the Mattei family
who had extensive property bordering the square. They were an important
family of the Middle Ages who controlled the left bank of the Tiber
river. It is at the end of the Via della Reginella. It is a five-minute
walk from the Pantheon and about 10 minutes from the Spanish Steps.
The Turtle Fountain or the Fontana delle Tartuge is in the middle
of the piazza. It was commissioned by and built for the Mattei family.
It is one of the most beautiful and elegant fountains in Rome. Between
1581 and 1584 Giacomo della Porta designed it using bronze sculptures
by T. Landini. Originally four dolphins occupied the place of the
four turtles. In 1648 Gian Lorenzo Bernini added the turtles. Unfortunately
the turtles were often stolen and are now replaced by copies. However
three of the original turtles can be found in the Capitoline Museum.
 During
the 1400’s the Jews grouped themselves around the Tiber in
an area around the square, which is presently called Piazza Mattei.
The Mattei family used the Jews to construct important buildings
for trade and commerce in this area. In return they offered them
whatever protection they needed. Between 1555 and 1844 the Turtle
Fountain was the only source of water for the residents of the Jewish
Ghetto nearby. Currently there still remain a few fragments of the
Ghetto near Piazza Mattei.
 On
one side of the square is the Palazzo Costagutti. It has a beautiful
doorway and a helicoidal staircase. The inside halls are decorated
with beautiful frescoes by various painters including Domenichino,
Guercino, Lanfranco, F. Albani and many other famous artists of
the time.
When you can visit Piazza Mattei and have a sip of clear and refreshing
water from the Turtle fountain.
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