Nymphaeum

Nymphaeum in Hierapolis

Nymphaeum, nymphaeum ( dr. Greek νυμφαῖον ) - a small sanctuary dedicated to water nymphs , was usually built at a source of water or a reservoir. It is a semicircular building with columns , sometimes several floors. In the period of Hellenism and Ancient Rome, “nymphaums” began to be called structures that adorned water sources, as well as city buildings with reservoirs.

Nymphaeum sometimes take the form of natural or artificial grottoes . In early Christian times, the nymphaeum served as a baptistery .

During the period of fascination with antique art, nymphaeum pavilions began to appear in European estates and parks, usually representing architectural reflections on an antique plot. Such nymphaeum can be seen today in many places in Europe. In addition, a whole series of genuine ancient nymphaeumas has been preserved, including those found during archaeological excavations, not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East, which also previously fell into the sphere of Greek and Roman influence. In Russian estates, pavilions of a similar type were usually called grottoes .