Ninfeo del Giambologna

At the foot of the lush hills of Fattucchia, overlooking the town of Grassina, we find the Fonte della Fata Morgana, or Fata Morgana’s Spring, also known as the Casina delle Fate. It was built in the second half of the 16th century by Bernardo Vecchietti within the grounds of the II Riposo villa, the summer residence of the Vecchietti family and home to a rich collection of art.

The fountain is the work, according to several sources, of the Flemish artist Giambologna. It represents a unique example of garden architecture, as it is halfway between a nymphaeum and a grotto.

After extensive restoration, the structure now appears in all its beauty. Immersed in the countryside between farmhouses it stands out for its fake pink plaster bricks, in stark contrast with the white limestone ornamentation that frame the doors and windows. Along the longest side of the structure the following words were inscribed in the central niche:

lo son quella, o lettor, fata Morgana/che giovin qui ringioveniva altrui

Qui dal Vecchietto, poiché vecchia io fui/ringiovenita colla sua fontana

[I am, oh reader, Fata Morgana/ as I have found youth here, so shall others

Here with the old man, just as I was once old/young I am now thanks to this fountain]

On the far right side different types of water troughs can be identified, along with washing basins recognizable thanks to their sloped edges. Upon entering the first room we find a niche shaped fountain, which once contained the marble statue of the Fairy, perhaps the work of Giambologna. The mosaic pavement made up by black and white pebbles, and on which the words “Fata Morgana” can be read over the threshold, is also quite interesting.

This mysterious and magical place, along with the fame of Morgana, the seductive sorceress and healer of King Arthur, has inspired over the centuries numerous legends regarding this 16th century nymphaeum, such as tales of bacchanalian parties and summer nights, and especially stories of beautiful women, nymphs and fairies who disappear as mysteriously as they appeared. Still today many believe that the fountain’s waters hold rejuvenating properties.

This post is also available in: Italian