Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts travel guide

The Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, or Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, is one of L'Aquila's most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1272 under the direction of architect Tancredi da Pentima, the fountain is a remarkable example of medieval engineering and artistry. It was commissioned by the city's founders to symbolize the unification of 99 castles that amalgamated to form L'Aquila.

Each of the 99 spouts represents one of these castles, making the fountain a historical and cultural mosaic. The spouts are embedded into a wall adorned with distinct stone masks, each uniquely designed. These masks are thought to reflect the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the people from the original 99 castles.

The fountain has endured several restorations, especially following the devastating earthquake in 2009, which significantly damaged L'Aquila. Despite these challenges, the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts remains a testament to the city's resilience and rich heritage. Today, it continues to attract visitors from around the world, eager to witness this piece of history and its intricate craftsmanship.

The Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, or Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, is renowned for its extraordinary design and craftsmanship. One of its most distinctive features is the 99 individually carved stone spouts, each with a unique face, ranging from humans to mythical creatures. These spouts represent the 99 castles that originally formed the city of L'Aquila, symbolizing unity and diversity within the community.

Moreover, the fountain's layout is an architectural marvel, with its three-tiered structure gracefully descending along the slope of the hill, creating a cascading water effect that is both visually stunning and soothing to the ear. The careful arrangement of the spouts ensures a harmonious flow of water, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

The blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles is another unique aspect, with intricate carvings and detailed stonework showcasing the skill of medieval artisans. The use of local white and pink stone from the Abruzzo region further emphasizes the fountain’s cultural and geographical significance.

Overall, the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is not just a functional installation but a masterpiece of art and engineering, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and historical depth of L'Aquila.

One intriguing fact about the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is that each spout is uniquely carved, showcasing a variety of human and animal faces, some believed to represent the founding families of L'Aquila. Despite the name, the fountain actually has 93 spouts; the discrepancy remains a mystery, adding to its allure. Another captivating detail is the fountain's ingenious hydraulic system, which dates back to the 13th century and still functions today. The fountain's layout is also strategically designed to represent the city's historical nucleus, reflecting L'Aquila's rich architectural heritage. During the 2009 earthquake, the fountain sustained damage but was meticulously restored, underscoring its cultural significance and resilience.

Located in the dynamic L'Aquila, the popular Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of L'Aquila or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Italy.

L'Aquila is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, L'Aquila offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in L'Aquila and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Fontana Luminosa, Castle Park, Basilica of San Bernardino, Forte Spagnolo, and National Museum of Abruzzo - MUNDA.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, L'Aquila has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in L'Aquila, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Italy!

The best time to explore Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts in L'Aquila, Italy, is during the spring and early fall seasons. From late April to early June, and again from September to early October, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities. These periods also see fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed experience as you admire the intricate design and historical significance of the fountain.

Visiting during these times also offers the added charm of seasonal events and local festivals that provide a deeper cultural context to your trip. For instance, the Perdonanza Celestiniana, an annual festival held at the end of August, brings a unique vibrancy to the region, enhancing your visit with parades, music, and traditional ceremonies.

While summer can be a popular time due to school holidays and warmer temperatures, it tends to be more crowded, and the heat can be intense. Winter, although serene, might have unpredictable weather, limiting the outdoor enjoyment. Therefore, planning your visit in spring or early fall not only ensures comfortable weather but also provides a richer and more leisurely experience, making it the best time to explore Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts.

Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in L'Aquila, Italy. If you're flying in, Abruzzo Airport is approximately 41.1 miles (66.1 km) away from L'Aquila. From there, you can easily reach Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in L'Aquila, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, which is located 0.4 miles (0.7 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Piazza S. Vito, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts!

There's no better way to discover the wonders of Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts and other top attractions in L'Aquila than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to L'Aquila include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind fountain in Italy.

Conveniently explore Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts and plenty more captivating attractions in L'Aquila by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that L'Aquila has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts below.

Aside from Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, L'Aquila is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around L'Aquila, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Fontana Luminosa, Castle Park, and Basilica of San Bernardino.

Fontana Luminosa is a bucket-list park and top attraction in L'Aquila, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,500 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Fontana Luminosa is Piazza Battaglione degli Alpini, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy.

Another appreciated attraction in L'Aquila is Castle Park. Like Fontana Luminosa, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 1,900 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy.

Basilica of San Bernardino is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of L'Aquila. This church and top attraction in L'Aquila has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,300 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Via S. Bernardino, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of L'Aquila below.