In the bustling Fort district of southern Mumbai, on Hutatma Chowk formed by the intersection of five streets, stands Flora Fountain.
The sculptural composition, dedicated to the Roman goddess of abundance, was created from a design by the Briton Richard Norman Shaw, and it was one of his first works, erected long before he became a famous architect in his homeland. Construction of the fountain lasted from 1860 to 1864, and the total cost amounted to 47 thousand rupees, which was a very impressive sum for those times.
The combination of architecture, sculpture, and the fountain's jets of water attracts the attention of any viewer. The fountain is an elegant arch topped by the ancient Roman goddess Flora, while on the sides are female figures, flowers, wreaths, and lions' heads. The nighttime illumination lends a special romantic charm to the composition, surrounded by buildings from the colonial era.
Over a century and a half, Flora Fountain has been through a lot - it has been closed, abandoned, and restored several times. At times, it seems that the state of the fountain depends on the mood of the city authorities, who either suddenly stop respecting the Roman gods or want to forget their British past. At present, the fountain looks a little neglected, the water flows irregularly, but its beautiful forms still remain a priceless example of colonial architecture in Mumbai.
