Desenzano Fountain Reproduction Initiative and Historical Search

The residents of Desenzano, especially those with white hair, still remember it vividly, right in the middle of Piazza Malvezzi, right in front of the current gallery of Palazzo Todeschini. The stone fountain, shaped like a broken vase with a central column equipped with four spouts and an octagonal base, disappeared about twenty years ago when the square’s paving works were carried out. It ended up in a municipal warehouse adjacent to the Music School, behind the “Bagatta” high school, and from there, one day, it simply vanished. Now, on the initiative of city councilor Rino Polloni, it might return to beautify the town center. Naturally, it will be a reproduction.

Project and Institutional Involvement

In this regard, Mayor Cino Anelli expressed himself, replying to Polloni on behalf of the City Council: “I inform you that during the session of August 1st, the City Council examined the proposal you presented, postponing the review to the budget formulation meeting for 2001.” The cost of the new fountain is approximately 20 million lire. This, at least, is the estimate provided by a marble company from Nuvolera, to whom Polloni turned.

Search and Promotion of Clues

But the news of the day is not so much about this, but rather the fact that the Art Heritage Protection Unit contacted Councilor Polloni, who initially offered a bounty of half a million lire, later increased to 5 million lire, for anyone providing useful information to find the fountain. The Carabinieri Unit reportedly said that, even if recovered, no action would be taken against its eventual possessor, as more than twenty years have passed since its disappearance.

Investigations and Testimonies

Some time ago, a Desenzano artisan contacted Polloni, claiming to have learned from a third person that “the fountain was located in the house of a former administrator.” However, when this eyewitness was supposed to document this by signing a statement before the Carabinieri to allow a possible search of the suspect’s property, he did not follow through.

Unfortunately, — explains Polloni — we have not managed to track down the mysterious owner, nor to get direct confirmation of these statements.

Thoughts on Its Disappearance and Future Placement

Certainly, the fountain must have flown away, because it’s unthinkable that it ended up in a landfill. Similarly, Polloni adds, some paintings and drapes that decorated municipal buildings and the former Bagatta college could have met the same fate.

Historical Monuments of Desenzano

There were three symbolic monuments in the historic center of Desenzano: the “Stone of the Unemployed” (or of the Failures) dating back to 1555, the statue depicting Saint Angela Merici, patroness of the town, from 1772, and finally, the fountain. The residents used to go there to drink, dip watermelons, or water their animals. Today, only some yellowed photographs and drawings by artist Attilio Rizzetti remain.

Future Placement and Location

The last issue: if the purchase of its reproduction is decided, where will it be placed? Because in Piazza Malvezzi, as the mayor previously stated, there is no space, as summer shows are held there. The response came from Orlando Farinelli, the councilor for Urban Planning: “An ideal location could be near the Cathedral, in the small park currently bordering the building where Tremolini is.” Now we just have to wait for the City Council’s decision to fund the “copy.”