Fontana di Cerere, Baroque fountain in Borgo-Sanzio district, Catania, Italy.
The Fontana di Cerere is a Baroque fountain made of Carrara marble with a statue of the goddess Ceres at its top holding a sickle. The structure features carved sea creatures, dolphins with water spouts, and four large shell-shaped basins that collect the cascading water.
The fountain was commissioned by the Senate in 1757 and originally stood in Piazza dell'Università. Local residents complained, leading to its relocation to Piazza Cavour where it remains today.
The fountain depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, a choice that reflected how important farming was to Sicilian life and identity. The goddess with her sickle was a public reminder of the prosperity that the land provided to the city.
The fountain sits at the intersection of major streets and serves as an easy meeting point in the historic city center. On warm days the water jets create a refreshing effect around the plaza.
The marble base includes intricately carved masks with water spouts that seem to emerge from the stone like living faces. This detail makes the fountain a fine example of 18th century craftsmanship.
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