Fontana dei delfini, Heritage fountain in Piazza San Martino, Cerreto Sannita, Italy.
Fontana dei delfini is a fountain made of limestone and lava stone in Piazza San Martino, featuring four dolphins spouting water around a central pine cone ornament. The structure combines original and reconstructed components into a single unified composition.
The fountain was originally created for Naples' Piazza Mercato and arrived in Cerreto Sannita in 1812, where it was reconstructed using its original components. This relocation demonstrates how cultural objects moved between cities and took on new local importance.
The dolphins give the fountain its name and serve as a recognizable landmark where residents naturally gather throughout the day. This spot functions as a social hub in the heart of the town, drawing people who pause to enjoy the water feature.
The fountain is located in the southern section of Piazza San Martino and is easy to reach when exploring the historic center on foot. The plaza itself is open and free of traffic, making it a comfortable spot to linger and observe the surroundings.
Master mason Biagio Ciccarelli oversaw the 1813 reconstruction, blending the original lava stone dolphins from Naples with freshly carved limestone elements. This fusion of two materials and sources remains visible in every detail of the structure today.
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