Fountain

The Fountain in Porta Nuova in Bergamo, nicknamed "Sugar Bowl" for its rounded and octagonal shape, was designed by the architect Alziro Bergonzo in 1935, according to the stylistic features of the fascist era.

The final aim of the work was not to create a fountain, but to "disguise" a petrol pump belonging to Giuseppe Pellegrini (dealer of fuel sales for the province of Bergamo).

Following repeated complaints about the "Ugliness" of the petrol station kiosk, Pellegrini gave his friend the Architect the task of beautifying the petrol station.

The latter then created an octagonal fountain in Zandobbio marble decorated with bas-reliefs by the sculptor Leone Lodi and depicting some zodiac signs linked mainly to the signs of water, which inside, through a camouflaged door, hid Pellegrini's kiosk.

The petrol-dispensing Sugar Fountain was inaugurated in 1935 and ceased its oil activity at the end of the fifties.

The "Sugar Bowl" Fountain has survived as street furniture to the present day, through restoration and beautification of the area.

Bergamo is full of interesting ideas: this is one of many