Fountain of Arethusa, Freshwater spring with lake in Ortigia, Syracuse, Italy
The fountain creates a pool near the seashore where freshwater fish swim among papyrus plants growing from the spring water basin.
The Spanish military reduced the size of the original lake in 1540 to construct defensive ramparts around the island of Ortigia.
Ancient Greek mythology connects the spring to the nymph Arethusa, who transformed into water to escape the river god Alpheus beneath the sea.
The fountain remains open to visitors throughout the year, with easy access from the main roads of Ortigia island near the Mediterranean shore.
This spring represents one of only two remaining wild papyretic water sources in Europe, sustaining a population of native aquatic plants.
Location: Syracuse
Address: Largo Aretusa
GPS coordinates: 37.05730,15.29290
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:12
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.
These sites in southern Italy include historical locations, religious structures and natural areas. From ancient fortresses and cathedrals to marine reserves and national parks, the region contains cultural heritage from multiple periods. Near the Trulli of Alberobello, visitors find underground catacombs, medieval castles and Greek temples.
A selection of monumental water features of cultural and architectural merit. The fountains adorn European squares, gardens and palaces since the 16th century and display motifs from mythology, religion and history.
Cathedral of Syracuse
247 m
Diana fountain
427 m
Santa Lucia alla Badia
217 m
Temple of Athena
266 m
Palazzo Bellomo Museum
163 m
Palazzo Borgia Impellizzeri
160 m
Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco
301 m
Temple of Artemis in Syracuse
298 m
Palazzo Vermexio
297 m
Teatro Comunale
257 m
Ipogeo
215 m
San Martino
141 m
Aquarium of Syracuse
69 m
Archbishop's Palace
224 m
Spirito Santo
233 m
Alagonian Library
246 m
Ex Museo archeologico di Siracusa
216 m
Palazzo Arezzo della Targia
247 m
Chiesa del Collegio dei Gesuiti
387 m
Puppet Museum
347 m
San Giuseppe, Ortigia
316 m
San Benedetto
124 m
Museo del mare
251 m
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
239 m
Santa Maria della Concezione
354 m
Gesù e Maria
113 m
San Domenico
333 m
Spiaggetta di Aretusa
94 mReviews
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