Fontana Pretoria

Palermo, Italy

The Fontana Pretoria is a monumental fountain of Palermo. The fountain was built by Francesco Camilliani in the city of Florence in 1554, but was transferred in Palermo in 1574. The fountain represents the Twelve Olympians, other mythological figures, animals and the rivers of Palermo.

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    Address

    Piazza Pretoria, Palermo, Italy
    See all sites in Palermo

    Details

    Founded: 1554
    Category:

    More Information

    en.wikipedia.org

    Rating

    4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

    Interesting Sites Nearby


    San Giuseppe dei Teatini Church (0,1 km)
    Quattro Canti (0,1 km)
    Santa Caterina Church (0,1 km)
    Church of San Cataldo (0,1 km)
    San Matteo al Cassaro Church (0,1 km)
    Cathedral of Monreale (7,1 km)
    Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio Church (0,1 km)
    Palermo Cathedral (0,5 km)
    Norman Palace (0,9 km)


    Villa Palagonia (13,7 km)
    Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (37,8 km)
    Caccamo Castle (33,1 km)
    Termini Imerese Cathedral (32,6 km)
    San Nicola l'Arena Castle (24,8 km)
    Castle of the Counts of Modica (37,8 km)
    Carini Castle (15,9 km)
    Torre delle Mandre (23 km)
    Ietas (22 km)

    User Reviews

    Brian Donhauser (7 months ago)
    Wonderful historic sculptures and fountain near city center (Quattro Canti). Great spot to chill out for a while before wandering the rest of the city.
    palma23adi (8 months ago)
    I didn't expect that this fountain would be so beautiful. Awesome!
    Gary Lloyd (8 months ago)
    The best piazza and fountain in Europe!
    Ethan Greyling (8 months ago)
    A beautiful fountain and a well preserved piece of history located In the historical centre of Palermo near many many out sites that are not to be missed! Great place to stop take some time and enjoy the history. It is a shame because a few run down buildings nearby detract from the experience (hence the 4 stars), but still not to be missed if you visit Palermo. There is also a cute restaurant with a view of the fountain down the side street that's worth a stop for a drink.
    Francesca Forasassi (10 months ago)
    As beautiful as all italian monuments. Surrounded by art
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    Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

    In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

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