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Fontana del Cavallo Marino: A Palermo Landmark

Discover the Fontana del Cavallo Marino in Palermo: a stunning 18th-century marble fountain with a rich history and artistic significance.

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The Fontana del Cavallo Marino, or Seahorse Fountain, is a beautiful 18th-century marble fountain located in Piazza Santo Spirito in Palermo, Italy. Featuring a seahorse, triton, and putti, it exemplifies the artistic skill of its creator, Francesco Ignazio Marabitti.

A brief summary to Fontana del Cavallo Marino

  • Piazza Santo Spirito, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90133, IT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Take a stroll around Piazza Santo Spirito to enjoy the local atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Foro Umberto I, a scenic promenade nearby.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Porta Felice on Foro Umberto I, walk west along Piazza Santo Spirito. The fountain is located in the center of the piazza, approximately a 2-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Palermo Centrale train station, take bus lines 103, 107, or ARANC. Get off at the Porta Felice stop, which is a 1-minute walk to Piazza Santo Spirito. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    From Palermo Centrale, a taxi ride to Piazza Santo Spirito typically costs between €10-€15 and takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Fontana del Cavallo Marino

The Fontana del Cavallo Marino, a captivating marble fountain, graces Piazza Santo Spirito in Palermo. Created in the second half of the 18th century, the fountain was originally commissioned by the Prince of Paternò to adorn the gardens of Palazzo Ajutamicristo. The renowned Palermitan sculptor Francesco Ignazio Marabitti brought the prince's vision to life, designing a unique sculpture featuring a creature that is half fish and half horse, accompanied by a triton and two putti. In 1864, the fountain was moved to its current location in Piazza Santo Spirito during a restoration of the piazza. The site was once home to the church of San Nicolò alla Kalsa, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1823. The fountain faced significant challenges during World War II when bombings in 1943 damaged the structure. Fortunately, the components were salvaged and stored until the 1970s when a restoration project, led by the Lo Piccolo laboratory and sculptor Nino Geraci, returned the fountain to its former glory. Today, the Fontana del Cavallo Marino stands as a testament to Palermo's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Its intricate details and historical significance make it a must-see attraction for visitors exploring the city.

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