MARRIOTT BUZZ NO. 16 - 2019

7 Fountains of Youth Located within the back gardens of the hotel is a majestic Italian white and grey-flecked marble fountain, which has undergone several renovation efforts. This decorative installation is of a considerable size and is surrounded by a wall consisting of eight ribs, with each rib measuring around 4 meters with a height of around 80 centimeters. The wall is conceived in the same white marble and the basin of the fountain consists of three levels. The first lower level resembles a rounded shape with two ornate frieze frameworks also from marble, splitting this level into three separate parts. Two 90-centimeter columns divide it vertically, the edge of this level is rimmed with eight semi-circular oysters, one of which is damaged, giving the sculpture an oceanic watery character befitting of a fountain. The second level is rounded in shape and is on a base that resembles a rounded stone with a height of 55 centimeters and centered around it are four intricately detailed statuettes of lions with thick manes, each one of them with a snarling opened jaw and facing forward threateningly as if wanting to devour their prey. One of these lion’s faces, as though to match the oysters, is broken into pieces. The third highest level consists of a pointed conical base constructed of stone blocks, on top of which stood the fragmented statue of a man with a height of over 2 meters. The man resembled a bare- chested and barefooted Roman figure, wearing a short-hanging dress covering his lower parts and History Through Art From Floor to Ceiling T he grounds of the Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino are replete with antiques, historical artifacts and a splendid architectural composition, which till this day leaves no mistake about its palatial origins. This edition of Buzz takes a look at some of the former palace’s 19 th -century fountains and chandeliers, that have for countless years adorned the premises from its expansive floors to its sweeping ceilings in captivating pieces of sculpture, furniture and indeed fine art in itself. 6 H I S T O R Y The Lion Fountain