Fontana Pretoria

Overview

The Fontana Pretoria is a monumental Renaissance fountain in the piazza of the same name, featuring over 40 white marble statues of gods, nymphs, and animals. Palermitans irreverently dubbed it the 'Fountain of Shame' because of its nude figures.

Highlights

• Mythological Sculptures: Dozens of nude figures representing rivers, Greek deities, and allegorical virtues.
• Three Concentric Basins: A graduated series of pools connected by steps and balustrades.
• Night Illumination: The fountain is dramatically lit after dark.

History

The fountain was originally commissioned in 1554 by a Florentine nobleman for his Tuscan villa. It was purchased by the Senate of Palermo in 1574 and reassembled, scaled to fill the piazza. The nearby nuns of a neighbouring convent gave it the 'Shame' nickname.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: View it from the steps of the adjacent Santa Caterina church for the best angle.
• Tip 2: Free to view; always accessible.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.