The Talking Statues

The four statues known as ‘talking’ in Roman folk tradition are those of Pasquino, Abbot Luigi, Madama Lucrezia and Marforio.

Over time, these have been joined by those forming part of the decoration of two fountains, the so-called Babuino (Baboon) and Facchino (Porter).

The sculptures, dating from various periods, are also referred to as the ‘Congress of the Witty’, and are thus considered to be talking. For a long time, they were used to express the Roman people's criticism in an original way and gained considerable fame in Rome. On their bodies, in fact, anonymous and witty satirical verses were placed; they were addressed to the most popular figures in Rome during various periods, and particularly in the 14th–16th centuries, as an expression of the people’s discontent towards the upper classes who held power and control over the city.

Photo: il Babuino ph. Turismo Roma