Fontana Pretoria, Renaissance fountain in historic center of Palermo, Italy.
Fontana Pretoria is a fountain featuring 48 statues arranged in concentric circles that depict mythological figures, animals, and river deities flowing toward a central basin. Water cascades over multiple levels, creating flowing water displays around the composition.
The fountain was created in Florence by sculptor Francesco Camilliani in 1554 and transported to Palermo in 1574 in 644 separate pieces. Its reassembly on the island marked an important moment linking Tuscan artistry with the royal court of Sicily.
The sculptures show classical mythological figures and creatures that reflect Renaissance artistic traditions. The plaza surrounding it has long been a gathering space where locals have met and conducted daily business.
The fountain sits in Piazza Pretoria in the city center and can be viewed at any time. Visitors can reach it on foot or use the free Arancione shuttle bus, which stops at the Piazza Pretoria station nearby.
The fountain earned the nickname 'Fountain of Shame' because its numerous nude statues provoked public discomfort in the 18th and 19th centuries. This reaction shows how strongly people's sense of propriety shaped their view of the artistic compositions.
Location: Palermo
Inception: 1554
Creator: Francesco Camilliani
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: Piazza Pretoria
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: December 6, 2025 16:01
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.
Martorana
118 m
Chiesa di San Cataldo
105 m
Santa Caterina, Palermo
58 m
San Giuseppe dei Teatini
52 m
Palazzo Pretorio
67 m
Palazzo Alliata di Villafranca
192 m
Teatro Biondo
226 m
San Matteo al Cassaro
115 m
Santa Ninfa dei Crociferi
176 m
Teatro Bellini
112 m
Historical archives of Palermo
225 m
Palazzo Riso
173 m
Bonocore Palace
36 m
San Nicolò da Tolentino
216 m
Monastero di Santa Caterina
91 m
Statue du génie de Palerme
56 m
Oratorio delle Dame al Giardinello
198 m
Santa Maria degli Agonizzanti, Palermo
212 m
Sant'Antonio Abate
228 m
Oratorio di Santa Maria delle Grazie
186 m
Oratorio della Carità di San Pietro
136 m
Oratorio di San Giuseppe dei Falegnami
100 m
Municipal library of Palermo
248 m
Santa Sofia dei Tavernieri
266 m
No Mafia Memorial
151 m
Vucciria Market
258 m
Biblioteca della Galleria d'arte moderna Empedocle Restivo
251 m
Palazzo Costantino
83 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes