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.

Discover Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, a prime feature of L'Aquila, in the vibrant L'Aquila. Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is situated at Piazza S. Vito, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy, just a short distance from Quattro Cantoni and Fontana Luminosa, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

In the vicinity of Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, various dining and shopping options await, alongside a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of local life. This location serves as a perfect starting point or a key highlight during your exploration of L'Aquila, a city in Italy rich with cultural and adventurous activities.

When planning your trip, timing is key. Explore travel trips and ideas on this city from the comprehensive L'Aquila travel guide for an unforgettable adventure.

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 the city center. 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. 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!

If you're looking for an effortless way to explore Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, perfectly planned travel packages to L'Aquila make it easy and enjoyable, all while keeping costs manageable. With everything seamlessly arranged for your trip to L'Aquila, you can simply pack your bags and look forward to exploring Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts.

Keep reading to discover the best options for experiencing this iconic monument in Italy.

Choosing the right accommodation near Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts from the widest selection of hotels and places to stay in L'Aquila can truly make all the difference in your trip. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, but you’ll also enjoy the best rates available, backed by 24/7 customer service and glowing reviews.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a handpicked list of top-rated hotels nearby.

Beyond Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts, L'Aquila boasts plenty more landmarks that make every trip unforgettable. From park to church, the top attractions in L'Aquila offer experiences you won’t want to miss.

One of the most notable attractions to visit while in L'Aquila is Fontana Luminosa, located at Piazza Battaglione degli Alpini, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy. This well-known park enhances your time in the city.

It's a popular park that’s perfect for rounding out your itinerary. You’ll find it at Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy.

This church draws visitors with its unique appeal, making it an essential stop on your journey. Located at Via S. Bernardino, 67100 L'Aquila AQ, Italy, its surroundings offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The city's top sights offer a wide variety of experiences to make your trip truly memorable. Check out the full list of top attractions in L'Aquila below to discover even more incredible places to explore.