The Barberini family, one of Rome’s most illustrious families, rose to prominence over centuries. But their journey to wealth and power began with an intriguing tale that, like many legends, blends fact with folklore.
The Legend of the Honey Miner
The story goes that the Barberini family’s heir lay on his deathbed, his life slipping away despite the best efforts of Rome’s finest physicians. Despair had settled upon the family until a wild honey miner from the mountains arrived. Armed with herbal concoctions steeped in honey and bee venom, he nursed the ailing heir back to health. The grateful Barberini family showered the anonymous healer with their gratitude, but he vanished without a trace.
As a token of their appreciation, the Barberini family adopted the bee as their heraldic symbol, forever linked to the miraculous cure.
From Gadflies to Bees: A Change in Fortune
However, reality often deviates from legend. The Barberini family’s original name was actually Tafani, meaning “gadflies” – not exactly a prestigious moniker. As their standing in society grew, they likely felt the need to shed this unflattering name. The town of Barberino, where they resided, became their new family name, and the annoying gadfly was replaced with the hardworking bee, symbolizing diligence and prosperity.
The Birth of the Fontana delle Api
The Barberini family’s ascent to power culminated in the construction of the magnificent Barberini Palace in 1633. While the palace itself was adorned with fountains, the Pope Urban VIII Barberini commissioned a special project in 1644: a unique drinking fountain.
The renowned artist Lorenzo Bernini, inspired by the family’s bee symbol, designed a masterpiece of simplicity and grace – the Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees). The fountain, crafted from Carrara marble, depicted an open seashell resting on rough stones. Three small bees, perched on the shell’s upper leaf, delicately released jets of water into the shell’s bowl.
A Controversial Inscription
However, the fountain’s inscription sparked controversy. It proudly declared that “Pope Urban VIII built this fountain for the citizens of the city in 1644 on the XXII anniversary of his stay on the papal throne.” The problem? The actual anniversary was still two months away.
The inscription’s premature celebration fueled rumors of Barberini’s arrogance and audacity. Rome’s citizens, already wary of the family’s power, saw this as a blatant disregard for time itself. The satirical pamphlets that appeared on the statue of Pasquino, a popular gathering spot for public discourse, only served to amplify the public outcry.
The Fountain’s Journey: Restoration and Vandalism
The Fontana delle Api served as a drinking fountain for over two hundred years before being dismantled in 1865 due to traffic concerns. Its fragments were stored away until 1915, when a restoration project was undertaken.
While many pieces were missing, the sculptor Adolfo Apolloni managed to recreate the fountain using travertine stone. Sadly, the original Carrara marble splendor was lost, but the spirit of Bernini’s design lived on. The newly restored fountain found its home on the corner of Via di San Basilio and Via Vittorio Veneto, a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle.
Despite its peaceful location, the fountain has not been immune to acts of vandalism. In 2004, a mentally ill man from Venice shattered a bee’s head with a hammer. Thankfully, the bee was replaced with a replica, and the vandal received treatment rather than punishment.
The Legacy of the Bees
The Fontana delle Api stands today as a testament to the Barberini family’s legacy – a tale of ambition, power, and the enduring power of a symbol. From the humble honey miner to the controversial inscription, the fountain has seen it all. Yet, beneath its elegant design and historical weight lies a simple truth: the power of a symbol can endure long after the stories surrounding it have faded.
