The fountains in the protected area

A natural choice

In an ecosystem that inherits the characteristics of a farm area, where woodlands and vegetation take center stage, it is only fitting that water is a recurring theme in both architecture and ornamental elements. The area of the Asquer estate under monument protection is, in fact, centered around the theme of water, featuring two fountains and a collection of large basins recovered for a new purpose

You first encounter the so-called ‘Fontana Piccola’ (Small Fountain) in the space between the listed buildings as you walk past the entrance.

Based on the theme of balancing weights, it blends exquisite materials, such as marble and stone, with the vital energy of water and the thrill of surprise.

A vertical body sculpted from Carrara and Bianco Tirreno marble rises up from a basin set flush to the ground in a delicate and unexpected equilibrium on a small support base. Like many natural springs, the small waterfall begins at the top of the Carrara-carved stone and cascades into the basin edged in the same trachyte rock as the ground around it.

The Fontana Piccola, like the entire estate and the mosaic tiles from which it is formed, showcases Francesco Morelli’s aspirations and personal quest. From the choice of fine materials, in keeping with the history of the area, to the unexpected creation of a balance in the eclectic location chosen for inner reflection.

The second fountain, known as the ‘Canne al vento’ (Reeds in the wind) growing naturally in the central section, is the most important one on the estate and brings to mind Grazia Deledda’s novel of the same name. Sculpted entirely of Carrara marble, it is large and spectacular, animated by water features.

Francesco Morelli’s love of design is reflected in this ornamental element. The shallow basin, level with the ground, holds three statues of varying sizes with vaguely Art Deco lines, together forming a hunting scene. A heron takes flight while a mother turtle and her hatchling nestle in the water.

Like the Fontana Piccola, the materials used and the theme of Reeds in the Wind tie this work into the overall theme of the park. The location of the fountain is also carefully conceived. Running parallel to Building C, it stands out against the setting of the park, to create a scenic backdrop. It thus forms the view that can best be appreciated from the large windows of the central hall in building C.

The waterway

Over the years, the theme of water has been reimagined in the design of the old, repurposed water collection tanks. Whereas their original purpose was purely functional, these tanks have been transformed into decorative elements as fountains, each of which has its own individual look. Each fountain has been designed to represent a single theme and a single stage along a waterway that meanders through the park. Even the small reservoirs and irrigation overflow pools have been given a makeover. In their new guise as places of contemplation, far from the forced and often unnatural rhythms of everyday life, the ponds have become home to the resident birdlife that inhabits the park year-round. At different times of the year, migratory birds take turns nesting and hatching their young in the same areas.

The fountains were mainly built using local and Tuscan marble.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VILLA ASQUER