![Bassin de Saturne (Saturn Fountain), Versailles](/img/gd_attr/37394.jpg)
Bassin de Saturne (Saturn Fountain), Versailles
The Saturn Fountain, also known as Winter Basin, is a notable water feature in the gardens of Versailles. It is part of the group of basins representing the Four Seasons, which include the Ceres Basin, the Flora Basin, the Bacchus Basin, and the Saturn Basin. The Four Seasons are depicted multiple times throughout Versailles in various sculptures, forming a thematic element that highlights the passage of time and the natural cycles.
Located in the southern part of the gardens, the Saturn Fountain is symmetrically aligned with the Flora Fountain. The centerpiece of this basin is a gilded lead statue of Saturn, the Roman god of time and agriculture, sculpted by François Girardon in 1672. Saturn is depicted seated on a throne, surrounded by playful cupids on an island adorned with seashells. This composition symbolizes winter, capturing the serene and contemplative aspects of the season.
Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1674, the Saturn Fountain is part of the Grand Command, a collection of sculptures that includes statues of the Four Seasons. These artworks were designed to enhance the grandeur and symbolic richness of the gardens. The intricate details and the use of gilded lead for Saturn’s statue reflect the artistic and technical prowess of Girardon, one of the leading sculptors of the era.
Located in the southern part of the gardens, the Saturn Fountain is symmetrically aligned with the Flora Fountain. The centerpiece of this basin is a gilded lead statue of Saturn, the Roman god of time and agriculture, sculpted by François Girardon in 1672. Saturn is depicted seated on a throne, surrounded by playful cupids on an island adorned with seashells. This composition symbolizes winter, capturing the serene and contemplative aspects of the season.
Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1674, the Saturn Fountain is part of the Grand Command, a collection of sculptures that includes statues of the Four Seasons. These artworks were designed to enhance the grandeur and symbolic richness of the gardens. The intricate details and the use of gilded lead for Saturn’s statue reflect the artistic and technical prowess of Girardon, one of the leading sculptors of the era.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Versailles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Bassin de Saturne (Saturn Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Bassin de Saturne (Saturn Fountain)
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Versailles, France (See walking tours in Versailles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Versailles, France
Create Your Own Walk in Versailles
Creating your own self-guided walk in Versailles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Versailles Gardens Walking Tour
Spread across a vast (800-hectare) area, the Versailles Gardens are the quintessential example of regal grandeur and meticulous French landscape design. Most of its feature areas – known as 'groves' – were created by King Louis XIV’s chief landscape architect André Le Nôtre. Key among the garden's numerous attractions is the Orangerie Fountain, which sets the tone for its... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Versailles Introduction Walking Tour
Versailles, a wealthy suburb of Paris some 20 kilometers southwest of the capital, is steeped in grandeur and regal history. Known worldwide for its opulent palace – the residence of French royalty, this small town offers much more than just its royal gates. Versailles is a living museum of French architecture and aristocratic life and is historically known for numerous treaties signed there,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles