Fontana Pretoria, Renaissance fountain in historic center of Palermo, Italy.
The Fontana Pretoria displays 48 statues arranged in concentric circles, with mythological figures, animals, and river deities around a central basin.
Originally created in Florence by Francesco Camilliani in 1554, the fountain was transported to Palermo in 1574 in 644 separate pieces.
The fountain features sculptures of the Twelve Olympians, monsters, harpies, sirens, and tritons, representing classical mythology and Renaissance artistry.
Visitors can observe the fountain at any time in Piazza Pretoria, with the Arancione free shuttle bus stopping nearby at Piazza Pretoria station.
The fountain earned the name 'Fountain of Shame' due to public reactions to its numerous nude statues during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Location: Palermo
Inception: 1554
Creator: Francesco Camilliani
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: Piazza Pretoria 90133 Palermo
Website: https://turismo.comune.palermo.it/palermo-welcome-luogo-dettaglio.php?tp=68&det=17&id=286
GPS coordinates: 38.11556,13.36194
Latest update: May 27, 2025 09:53
Italian historic fountains demonstrate five centuries of craftsmanship in sculpture, hydraulic engineering, and urban design. From the 15th to the 19th century, Italian artisans shaped marble, bronze, and stone to create works combining practicality and artistic expression. These fountains tell stories from classical mythology, such as Neptune and marine deities, or from the Bible, like Moses drawing water from the rock. They also celebrate the political power of great families and the identity of Italian cities. In Rome, the Trevi Fountain extends 86 feet (26 meters) high with baroque sculptures, while Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers symbolizes continents on Piazza Navona. In Florence, Neptune sits above the Piazza della Signoria, recalling the Medici family's maritime ambitions. The gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli feature 51 fountains spread across multiple terraces, showcasing Renaissance hydraulic mastery. These works reveal how water has shaped Italy’s architecture and urban life, from papal Rome to squares in Palermo and Siena.
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