Fountain of the 99 Spouts
In L'Aquila, an ornamental masterpiece framed by pink and white stone blocks
On your tour in the capital city of Abruzzo, be sure to visit one of its most iconic monuments: the Fountain of the 99 Spouts, located in the Borgo Rivera district, the oldest part of the historic centre.
The number 99 is not a random choice of architectural beauty, but a symbolic representation. According to tradition, it recalls the 99 castles that contributed to the foundation of L'Aquila in the 13th century. Each stone mask would represent one of these castles.
As shown by the inscription on the wall opposite the entrance gate, the fountain was built in 1272, according to a design by the architect Tancredi da Pentima.
The fountain, originally conceived and designed to facilitate the washing of clothes, is located below street level and extends on three sides. It has a trapezoidal plan and features a chessboard motif dating back to the 15th century. Its perimeter features an interplay of white and pink stone blocks from the nearby Genzano di Sassa quarry, the same material used for the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and other city monuments.
It consists of 93 stone masks, each unique, and six individual spouts, for a total of 99 jets of water. On the open side, the fountain ends with a staircase overlooking the medieval church of San Vito, creating an invisible link between artistic beauty and historical significance.
After the 2009 earthquake, the fountain was one of the first monuments to be restored, a symbol of the city's rebirth and resilience. The restoration brought the fountain back to its original splendour, allowing visitors to continue to admire its timeless beauty.
Address
via Borgo Rivera, L’Aquila
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