In the Mazarin district, the Four Dolphins Fountain marks one of the most elegant squares in Aix-en-Provence, away from the bustle of the nearby Cours Mirabeau.
A fountain at the heart of the Mazarin district
Created in 1667 by the architect Jean-Claude Rambot, the fountain stands at the centre of a small square born from the southward expansion of Aix. Four dolphins with fantastical forms surround an obelisk topped with a pine cone, a motif often found in Provençal decoration.
The Mazarin district was laid out in the 17th century at the initiative of Archbishop Michel Mazarin, brother of the cardinal. Its regular plan, ordered façades and private mansions give this part of Aix a calmer, more composed atmosphere than the narrow streets of the old town.
A peaceful stop in Aix
The charm of the square comes as much from the fountain as from its setting. Water, trees and pale façades create a simple scene, set apart from the bustle of the Cours Mirabeau, though it is very close by.
Few people come to Aix solely for this fountain, but it gives a good reason to cross the Mazarin district on foot, taking time to notice the architectural details and the refinement of Aix's squares.
Aix in miniature
The Four Dolphins Fountain sums up, on a small scale, part of the charm of Aix-en-Provence: water, pale stone, shaded squares and the discreet elegance of the historic centre.
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