Fontana dell'Elefante

Overview

The Fontana dell'Elefante is a baroque fountain and the undisputed symbol of Catania. Designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini in 1736, it features an ancient lava-stone elephant topped by an Egyptian obelisk, standing on a white-marble pedestal in the centre of Piazza del Duomo.

Highlights

• "U Liotru": The elephant, affectionately nicknamed by locals, is carved from a single block of basalt and is thought to date from the Roman period.
• Egyptian obelisk: The small granite obelisk bears hieroglyphics associated with the worship of Isis and was likely brought to Catania during Roman rule.
• Baroque composition: Vaccarini deliberately modelled the monument on Bernini's elephant obelisk in Rome's Piazza della Minerva.

History

The elephant has been associated with Catania since antiquity. Legend attributes it to the sorcerer Heliodorus, who supposedly rode a magical elephant. Vaccarini incorporated the ancient sculpture into his post-earthquake redesign of the piazza, topping it with a pre-existing obelisk found nearby.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Best photographed in morning light when the cathedral behind provides a clean backdrop.
• Tip 2: Rubbing the elephant's trunk is a local good-luck tradition.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.