Fontana di San Giovanni, Fountain in Viterbo, Italy
The Fontana di San Giovanni, also known as the Fountain of San Giovanni in Zoccoli, is a medieval stone fountain on Piazza Dante Alighieri in Viterbo. It consists of a round basin with four lion-head spouts and a tapered upper section typical of the fountains found across the city.
The Fontana di San Giovanni was built in 1246, making it one of the oldest surviving fountains in Viterbo. It was created during a period when the city was known for its dense network of water sources fed by natural springs.
The Fontana di San Giovanni stands on Piazza Dante Alighieri, near the church of San Giovanni in Zoccoli, making it part of one of the oldest corners of the city. The four lion heads from which water flows are a recurring motif across Viterbo's fountains, reflecting a visual language that has remained consistent across centuries.
The fountain sits on Piazza Dante Alighieri, easily reached on foot through the old town. The surrounding streets are narrow, so exploring the area without a car is the most comfortable option.
Although the Fontana di San Giovanni takes its name from the nearby church, the church itself is called "in Zoccoli", meaning "in wooden clogs", a reference to the monks who once lived in the area. This unusual addition to the name can still be read on street signs in the neighborhood today.
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