The Piazza Fontana Grande in Viterbo is, of course, named after the large Gothic fountain in the square, which is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy.
Fontana Grande Viterbo
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
The Fontana Grande (“Big fountain”) takes up a central postition in the Piazza Fontana Grande. The fountain can be visited free of charge at any time of the day.
History and description
Although it is not known exactly when the Fontana Grande was constructed, it is thought that the oldest version dates back to the latter part of the 12th century. At that time, the fountain, which was then called Fontana del Sepale, was already highly regarded and people who let animals drink from it were fined heavily.
In the following century, the fountain was to be continuously beautified. The current version dates from 1212, as an inscription shows, and was commissioned by the city. Its designers were Bertoldo and Pietro di Giovanni.
It was not until 1565 that the fountain came to be called Fontana Grande.
The fountain consists of a cruciform basin with a large central column, to which two smaller basins are attached. Attached to these are another four tubs, which make the whole construction resemble a flower.