Unusual fountains

It's hot, let's follow the waters.
The water from the fountains – of which there are quite a few in Florence, although not as many as in the capital –; many are of great artistic value, whilst others are decidedly unusual.

Are you familiar with the sea monsters that stand atop the bases of the twin fountains in Piazza Santissima Annunziata? They are known as the Fontane del Cacciucco and were created by Pietro Tacca between 1627 and 1629.

The most artistic and impressive are the fountains (and pools) in the Boboli Gardens: remember that it is a museum and you have to pay an admission fee.

Among the modern fountains, one stands out for its simplicity: the fountain in Piazza Madonna della Neve, on the edge of the historic centre, on the site of what used to be Florence’s prison – Le Murate. Here stands one of the most intriguing of the recent fountains: low and linear, it depicts the course of the River Arno through Florence and is made of pietra serena and ceramic stoneware.

On the eastern outskirts of Florence, on a very busy avenue, stands the light and lively statue of the Rain Man by Jean Michel Folon. Poetic, like all the Belgian artist’s works, it depicts a stern gentleman with an umbrella made of water.

Let’s finish with another monster: the Dragon, in the Orto del Parnaso, accessible from Via Trento and offering breathtaking views over Florence. A mosaic figure made from recycled materials, created by the architect Dezzi Bardeschi.

Other fountains on our fountain route

A water-themed itinerary outside Florence can also be found on the regional website Visittuscany.

And to drink top-quality water completely free of charge, grab a water bottle and look out for public drinking fountains.