Fontana dei Canali - Piazza Armerina, Italy

Discover the Fontana dei Canali in Piazza Armerina, a symbol of the city's rich history and a fine example of 19th-century urban architecture.

The Fontana dei Canali is the most important fountain with a watering trough in Piazza Armerina. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it served the needs of residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Casale, Paratori, and Mangone. The water came from the mountain springs and was originally used for leather tanning and later for a nearby terracotta furnace.

Duration of the visit: 0.5 hours
Recommended Climate: All Year

Description: The Fontana dei Canali, constructed around 1875, represents a key hydraulic work for Piazza Armerina. Before its construction, the water from nearby springs was used by local tanneries and furnaces. The fountain is made up of four channels, from which a large quantity of water flows continuously, sourced from the Doniamare mountain springs. According to local legend, the fountain's sculpted faces depict four prominent figures from Italy's Risorgimento: Giuseppe Mazzini, Camillo Benso Count of Cavour, King Victor Emmanuel II, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. A nearby public washhouse with over 20 stations was built alongside the fountain, demonstrating the high demand for water. The fountain also gave its name to the 'Canali' district, which developed in the 14th century and welcomed a significant Jewish community until their expulsion in 1492. The district preserves traces of Byzantine influence, such as the Church of Santa Maria dell'Itria, which may have originally been a synagogue.