Elliptical Nymphaeum

Elliptical Nymphaeum

This Elliptical Nymphaeum is situated in the middle of an elliptical pool that was on the western side of the Great Banquet Hall of Domitian's Palace.  There was a corresponding one on the east side of the Banquet Hall—under the Museum of the Palatine Hill.

This Nymphaeum is three-tiered and water cascaded down from the top of it into the large pool in which it is situated.  Originally it was completely covered in white marble.

The building behind it is the "Farnese Lodge" that is also known as the Casino del Belvedere.  It dates to the 16th century and was rebuilt by the Farnese family.