Fontana Pretoria — Attraction in Palermo

The stupendous central fountain on Piazza Pretoria (dubbed Piazza Vergogna by the locals) dominates the square with its array of white Carrara-marble statuary. Whether you gain access to the square by climbing a few steps from Corso Vittorio Emanuele or by using the wider opening on Via Maqueda, the first impression you get as the fountain comes into sight is one of utter monstrosity. But come closer to view the details and each of the figures you see turns into an artistic masterpiece of sheer classical elegance and beauty. Blindingly white, particularly during sunlight hours or when floodlit at night, this 16th-century creation is definitely a startling sight that leaves an everlasting impression. Check out the perfect anatomy of the giant nudes that ring the huge marble basin; check out the exquisite way each nude is twisted in an attempt to reveal the stunning handsomeness of the body; check out the countless number of delicately sculpted animals that grace the base of the statues. Despite being the top captivating attraction, the Pretoria fountain is not the only interesting draw on Piazza Pretoria. Flanked on all sides by imposing buildings, this square is a dignified focal point for Palermitani and visitors alike. On one side stands the restored building of the Municipio (Palermo’s working Town Hall), a massive building decorated with classical sculptures and numerous bas-reliefs. Towering above the fountain and the Municipio is the Church of Santa Catarina, a huge place of worship that fills in one full side of the square and spreads out to another square as well. The elegant exterior is a paragon of early classicism, neat in design and delightfully simple with regard to decorations. But step inside and you will be faced with Sicilian Baroque at its most exuberant. Gaudy, flashy and vast, the decorations constitute a plethora of stucco that is perhaps stunningly beautiful as a stand-alone but too much when viewed as a whole. Gilded angels take pride of place at every corner, gilded friezes surround every inch of the cornice, coloured frescoes spread over every other available space, the full...

Fontana Pretoria, also known as the Fountain of Shame, is one of the most striking landmarks in Palermo, Sicily. Located in Piazza Pretoria, this monumental fountain was designed by the Florentine architect Francesco Camilliani and completed in 1574. The fountain is an excellent example of Renaissance art and architecture, though its provocative and bold design often leads to it being referred to as the "Fountain of Shame."

The fountain features a series of intricately sculpted statues, including depictions of gods, goddesses, mythological figures, and nymphs, all carved from white marble. At its center is a large basin surrounded by multiple levels, with water cascading down in a dramatic and elegant display. The sculptures and elaborate decoration reflect both the aesthetic grandeur of the period and the symbolic themes of classical mythology.

The fountain earned the nickname "Fountain of Shame" due to its exposed nude statues, which some considered scandalous for the time. However, over the centuries, it has become a symbol of Palermo’s rich cultural and artistic history.

Today, Fontana Pretoria is a popular tourist attraction and an integral part of the city's historic center. It stands as a stunning example of Renaissance art and remains one of Palermo’s most iconic and...

The Pretoria Fountain is a masterpiece of Renaissance art that has been both lauded and reviled since its inception. This beautiful fountain, often dubbed the "Fountain of Shame" by locals due to its numerous nude sculptures, exemplifies the city's rich heritage and creative flare.

Originally designed for a Florentine nobleman's private gardens, the fountain underwent considerable changes after being acquired by the Palermo Senate in 1574. Its transfer to the center of the city, Piazza Pretoria, sparked both appreciation and criticism. The abundance of naked images portraying gods, goddesses, nymphs, and legendary animals sparked concern among Palermo's more conservative people.

The fountain's elaborate form, which consists of three concentric circular basins, is a masterwork of late Renaissance sculpture with clear Florentine influences. The highest basin is the smallest, and the lowermost is the largest. The ensemble is decorated with various statues and smaller fountains, resulting in a visually magnificent display.

Visitors can freely observe this prominent sight at any time of day or night. However, daylight hours provide the best circumstances for observing the complex features of the sculptures. As evening falls, the fountain is lighted in a most fascinating way, casting a mystical spell over...