Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ThePlatarivergodisgazingupwardatthe
ChurchofSt.Agnes,
workedonbyBernini's
former student-turned-rival, Francesco Borromini. Borromini's concave facade helps reveal
the dome and epitomizes the curved symmetry of Baroque. Tour guides say that Bernini de-
signed his river god to look horrified at Borromini's work. Or maybe he's shielding his eyes
from St. Agnes' nakedness, as she was stripped before being martyred. But either explana-
tion is unlikely, since the fountain was completed two years before Borromini even started
work on the church.
