Do You Know the Legend of Florence's Wild Boar 🐗 Fountain?

The Porcellino Fountain is one of the most beloved attractions for tourists in Florence. Located next to the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo and just a stone's throw away from the Ponte Vecchio, it is considered a place of good fortune in local tradition. Touching the little pig's nose is a must, and if you want to ensure good luck, you must place a coin in its mouth, hoping it falls onto the water grate. The name of the fountain is misleading, as it actually depicts a majestic bronze wild boar. Currently, the fountain houses a replica of Pietro Tacca's 1633 original, which was inspired by a Hellenistic marble statue housed in the Uffizi Gallery. The fountain was placed by Grand Duke Cosimo II in 1640, in front of the Porcellino spice shop on Via Por Santa Maria, but it was moved to its current position on the south side in the 19th century to facilitate traffic. In addition to its decorative function, the fountain was also an important water source for merchants who traded under the loggia, especially those selling delicate fabrics such as silk, brocade, and velvet. The Porcellino Fountain is a true symbol of Florence ⚜️ The base is octagonal, adorned with exquisite bronze depicting the wild boar's aquatic habitat, with highly realistic details of plants, amphibians, mollusks, and reptiles. #Europe #Italy #FlorenceInDepth #CradleOfTheRenaissance #WildBoar #Bronze #Fountain #Legend