Fonte Nuova, Gothic fountain in Siena, Italy
Fonte Nuova is a historic water basin on via Pian d'Ovile in Siena, built in the 14th century to a design by Camaino di Crescentino and Sozzo Rustichini. A double ogival arch in brick opens onto a large basin used for watering animals and as a washhouse. Its architecture shows the influence of Cistercian Gothic.
Fonte Nuova dates to the 14th century (Trecento) and was built to a design by Camaino di Crescentino and Sozzo Rustichini. It stands in via Pian d'Ovile and its architecture shows the influence of Cistercian Gothic. The basin served for watering animals and as a washhouse.
The fountain's basin served as both a drinking trough for animals and a washhouse for local residents, a dual function reflected in its large single vasca. Its name, Fonte Nuova ("new fountain"), distinguished it from older water sources in Siena when it was built in the 14th century.
Fonte Nuova stands on via Pian d'Ovile, inside Siena's historic centre rather than beyond the walls, so it can be reached on foot from the city centre. The basin sits below street level, reached by steps, and the brick vault keeps the interior shaded.
The fountain's double pointed arch is built in brick, not stone, a detail that sets it apart from Siena's stone-built fountains. The basin behind it served both as a drinking trough for animals and as a washhouse, so the same water source met household and livestock needs.
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