Bees Fountain

The Fontana delle Api (Bees Fountain) is situated on the corner between Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, in Rome.

It was realised by G. L. Bernini in 1644, and commissioned by Pope Urbano VIII.

The bees are represented as they were the symbol of the Barberini family. In 2004 they were damaged following acts of vandalism.

It is said that the fountain was put in place only a few days before the 21st anniversary of the ascent of the Pope, however the Pope died eight days before his 21st year of Pontification began.

The fountain was originally on the corner of via Sistina (then called via Felce) with Piazza Barberini, but it was moved in 1867 because it was a hindrance to traffic.

During its reconstruction in 1915 many pieces were not found, hence it was reconstructed in travertine marble instead of Lunense marble.