Fountain of the Elephant
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Catania's Fountain of the Elephant, or Fontana dell'Elefante, stands as a remarkable symbol of the city and a must-visit tourist spot for anyone interested in historical architecture and captivating photography. Situated in Piazza del Duomo, this iconic monument tells a story that spans centuries. The centerpiece of the fountain is the elephant, known locally as "Liotru." Crafted from black lava stone, the elephant dates back to ancient Roman times. The origins of the statue are somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to have been part of a larger structure or used in a decorative capacity during the Roman period. The use of lava stone ties the statue to the region's volcanic history, specifically Mount Etna. In 1736, the renowned Sicilian architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini incorporated the elephant into the current fountain design. Vaccarini, tasked with the reconstruction of Catania after the devastating earthquake of 1693, combined the ancient statue with a modern obelisk, which he placed on the elephant's back. The obelisk is Egyptian in style and adds a fascinating blend of cultures to the fountain, symbolizing power and eternity. At the top of the obelisk sits a globe and a cross, representing faith and the city’s connection to its Christian roots. The fountain also features various Baroque elements, adding to its artistic and architectural significance. The Fountain of the Elephant is not just a beautiful piece of art; it has become a beloved emblem of Catania. Locals often refer to it affectionately, and it serves as a common meeting point in the heart of the city. The fountain's location in Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by other stunning structures like the Catania Cathedral and the Palazzo degli Elefanti, makes it an ideal spot for tourists to capture breathtaking photographs. In summary, Catania's Fountain of the Elephant is more than just a fountain. It is a historical tapestry woven with elements from the ancient Roman era, the Baroque period, and Sicilian culture, making it a top tourist attraction and a quintessential symbol of the city's rich heritage.
Laby RinthLaby Rinth
00
The Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell'Elefante) in Catania is the only fountain in Italy with an elephant as its main feature. The statue of the elephant, known as "Liotru" to the locals. It is situated in the heart of Piazza del Duomo, it captures the essence of the city's rich history and culture. The fountain is a unique combination of art, tradition, and mystery. Speciality is that it's carved from black lava stone, the elephant holds an ancient obelisk on its back. The choice of material is significant, as Catania is located near Mount Etna, and the lava stone reminds visitors of the city’s connection to the powerful volcano. The elephant statue is named as "Liotru" after a local nobleman, Eliodoro, who lived during the Byzantine era. According to legend, Eliodoro was a magician who could control an elephant made of lava stone and used it to travel quickly across Sicily. Because of this story, the elephant became a symbol of power and protection. Some say the elephant has magical powers, protecting the city from harm, especially from the dangers of Mount Etna’s eruptions. Visiting this mesmerizing fountain is an unforgettable experience.
Natalie AnuradaNatalie Anurada
00
The Fountain of the Elephant, or "Fontana dell'Elefante," in Catania is a captivating piece of history and artistry right in the heart of Piazza del Duomo. This monument, with its charming lava stone elephant crowned by an ancient Egyptian obelisk, is more than just a symbol of the city—it's a testament to Catania's rich and layered history. What struck me most was the blend of cultures embodied in this fountain. The elephant, carved from black lava, has an almost mythical aura, and the obelisk atop it adds a fascinating touch of ancient Egypt. The juxtaposition of these elements in a Sicilian setting is simply unique. Surrounding the fountain, the bustling piazza offers a lively atmosphere with street vendors, local cafes, and the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral of Sant'Agata. It's a perfect spot to pause and soak in the city's vibrant energy. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a picturesque spot to snap some photos, the Fountain of the Elephant is a must-see when in Catania!
GL FrancescoGL Francesco
00
In the center of the square stands the famous "elephant fountain", symbol of the city , an eighteenth-century work by the Palermo architect Giambattista Vaccarini (1702-1769) to whom the design of most of the eighteenth-century buildings in Catania is attributed. An ancient legend about the origin of this symbol tells that, when Catania was inhabited for the first time, an elephant drove away all the wild beasts that were in the area and the people of Catania, to pay homage to this animal, erected a statue which is still today called, in local dialect, “liotru”. This dialect term refers to the name of Heliodorus from Catania, who lived in the 8th century and was burned alive by order of Bishop Leo II the Wonderworker because, not being designated bishop of the city, he disturbed the religious functions with spells including that of making the man walk. 'stone elephant. During our stay in Catania the place under Elefant was under restoration but we saw the Elefant)
Elena *Elena *
10
ul lato nord si trova il palazzo degli Elefanti, ovvero, il Municipio. Dall'altro lato della piazza sono collocate la fontana dell'Amenano, molto famosa per gli abitanti, dentro la quale vengono gettate delle monetine (come nella fontana di Roma) e, accanto, il palazzo dei Chierici che è collegato al Duomo da un passaggio che corre sulla porta Uzeda. Alle terrazze del palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici e di porta Uzeda si può accedere dal Museo diocesano di Catania che ha sede nel palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici attiguo alla Cattedrale. Dalle terrazze si possono ammirare due splendidi panorami: da un lato, lo spettacolo di piazza del Duomo di Catania con la fontana dell'Elefante e via Etnea con il monte Etna sullo sfondo; dall'altro, le mura di Carlo V, il porto di Catania con gli archi della Marina fino al castello Ursino. La porta di Carlo V fa parte dell'unico tratto rimasto delle mura della città. Al centro della piazza si trova quello che è il simbolo di Catania, ovvero "u Liotru", una statua in pietra lavica raffigurante un elefante, sormontata da un obelisco, posta al centro di una fontana in marmo più volte rimaneggiata. Le terme Achilliane sono delle strutture termali sotterranee datate al IV-V secolo e situate circa 4/5 metri sotto piazza del Duomo. Si accede alle terme accedendo al Museo diocesano di Catania: un corridoio con volta a botte ricavato nell'intercapedine tra le strutture romane e le fondamenta della cattedrale (il cui accesso è costituito da una breve gradinata di epoche diverse posta a sinistra della facciata) consente di fare un viaggio nelle viscere della città, dove scorre il fiume Amenano le cui acque risalgono in superficie nella vicina fontana dell'Amenano nella piazza antistante. Il nome dell'impianto è dedotto da un'iscrizione su lastra di marmo lunense ridottasi in sei frammenti principali molto lacunosi, risalente probabilmente alla prima metà del V secolo, oggi esposta all'interno del Museo civico al Castello Ursino
Nicu Sorin MeghesNicu Sorin Meghes
10
An interesting fountain that is made of stone and volcanic lava. The elephant is said to have the ability to calm Mount Etna, and apparently it does the job well. In the 18th century, the mysterious elephant was placed on a marble pedestal with a fountain in the center of the city, and an ancient Egyptian obelisk was placed on its back. On the top of this totem cake is a puffed cross, and below it a sphere, in which some believe there is a piece of the bone of St. Agatha - the current patroness of Catania, whose coat of arms is inlaid on the elephant's saddle. If you look closely, there is much to discover in its small details!
Sonya MitevaSonya Miteva
30
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Piazza del Duomo, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
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+39 095 742 1111
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Website
comune.catania.it
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Description
The Elephant Fountain is a monument located in the center of Piazza del Duomo in the Sicilian city of Catania, designed by architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini between 1735 and 1737. Its main element is a black basalt statue of an elephant, commonly called u Liotru, which has become the emblem of the city of Catania.
attractions: Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini, Ursino Castle, Castello Ursino, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, Piazza Università, Greek - Roman theatre, Teatro Massimo Bellini, Roman Amphitheater of Catania, Don Peppinu | Catania, Palazzo Biscari, restaurants: Pasticceria Savia, Trattoria del Cavaliere, Catania Fish Market, Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino, Fud Bottega sicula, A Putia Dell'Ostello, Il Borgo di Federico, Sette Più, Razmataz | Wine Bar Catania, Vuciata
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