Fontana del Formiello

Fontana del Formiello is a fountain at Castel Capuano in Naples featuring three lion masks that discharge water from their mouths. A heraldic shield of viceroy Don Pedro Tellez Giron appears in its upper section.

This fountain was constructed in 1573 by Mastro Joseppe and Michel De Guido, replacing an earlier medieval fountain that occupied the same spot. The rebuilding coincided with the Spanish administration's efforts to modernize the city's public spaces.

A Latin inscription references the Sebeto River and the muse Melpomene, linking this fountain to classical traditions and the city's water sources. This connection to ancient mythology shapes how locals understand the site's cultural meaning.

The fountain sits on Piazza Enrico de Nicola and serves as an easy reference point near the church of Santa Caterina a Formiello. The area is walkable and well integrated into Naples' historic center.

The name Formiello comes from the water spout containers once found in the adjacent convent, which gave this fountain its distinctive title. This linguistic origin reveals the close connection between the fountain and the religious buildings around it.

GPS coordinates: 40.85384,14.26467

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01