Praetorian Fountain, Palermo Travel Guide

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Discover the Fontana Pretoria in Palermo, a stunning Renaissance fountain with a scandalous past and a celebrated present.

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Praetorian Fountain

Fontana Pretoria, a monumental fountain in Piazza Pretoria, Palermo, is a striking example of Tuscan Renaissance art. Originally built in Florence in the 16th century, it was later moved to Palermo. Its elaborate design and numerous nude statues led to its nickname, the "Fountain of Shame".

A brief summary to Praetorian Fountain

Piazza Pretoria, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90133, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Praetorian Fountain.

Visit the fountain in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Take a walk around the entire fountain to appreciate the details of each statue and basin.
Explore the surrounding Piazza Pretoria, including the Palazzo Pretorio (City Hall) and the Church of Santa Caterina.

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Explore Praetorian Fountain on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Quattro Canti, walk south on Via Maqueda for a short distance. Piazza Pretoria will be on your left, with the Fontana Pretoria at its center. The walk is less than 5 minutes and is free.
Public Transport

Several buses stop near Piazza Pretoria. Take bus lines 101, N2, 102, or 124 to the Roma Vucciria stop, which is a 3-minute walk from the piazza. A single ticket costs €2.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A short taxi ride from Palermo Centrale Station to Piazza Pretoria will cost approximately €6-€8 and take about 2 minutes. Keep in mind that taxi fares can vary depending on the time of day and traffic.

Discover more about Praetorian Fountain

Piazza Pretoria is located at the edge of the Kalsa district, near the intersection of Cassaro and Via Maqueda, a few steps from the Quattro Canti. The centerpiece of this piazza is the Fontana Pretoria, a large and elaborate fountain that has become one of Palermo's most iconic landmarks.Originally created in 1554 by Francesco Camilliani for a Florentine villa, the fountain was purchased by the Senate of Palermo in 1573 to embellish the city. The fountain was moved to Palermo and reassembled in 1574. The fountain features multiple concentric rings divided by water basins, adorned with staircases and marble balustrades. At the center, a shaft supports a statue of a putto with a cornucopia. The fountain also features statues of mythological figures, gods, and goddesses.The fountain's nude statues caused controversy when it was first erected, leading locals to dub it the "Fountain of Shame". Some say the name arose from the Palermitans being scandalized by the nudity of the statues. Other legends suggest the name came from the amount of money the Palermo Senate spent to purchase the fountain. Despite the initial controversy, the Fontana Pretoria is now admired as a masterpiece of High Renaissance art and a symbol of Palermo.