The world is full of stunning sights, and among them are breathtaking fountains that attract visitors from everywhere. While these impressive structures are admired for their beauty today, many originally had essential functions. Let’s explore how fountains developed their role and became the celebrated landmarks that travelers eagerly seek out.
Early fountains
The earliest fountains, dating to 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia, served practical purposes including providing water for drinking, bathing and washing, and for special events. Ahead of modern-day technology, basins were often placed near natural water sources and used gravity for water flow. Fountains have held an important place in history, serving not only ceremonial and ritual purposes but also symbolizing deeper cultural and religious meanings. Fountains.com explains, “The ancient Mayans constructed water temples, integrating fountains into their religious structures. These fountains were part of complex systems designed for ritualistic purification and water-based ceremonies.”
Decorative fountains
Decorative fountains appeared with the Greeks and Romans around 6 BC, who also built extensive aqueduct systems. Per Water Gallery, “By 98 AD, Rome had been nicknamed the ‘city of fountains’ having 9 aqueducts, 39 monumental fountains, and 591 public basins.” Today, Rome is famous for its collection of more than 2,000 magnificent fountains, known for both their functionality and decorative appeal. When built, these fountains not only supplied water to the city, but elaborately featured statues of gods, heroes, and religious figures. Though fountain-rich Rome is known for being the epicenter of art culture and history, amazing fountains can also be discovered all over the world!
Representation of power
Fountains flourished during the Renaissance and Baroque Eras. Both rulers and royals enjoyed fountains as symbols of power and tributes to themselves. Lavish fountains were typically added to Renaissance gardens, in large part as a focal point reflective of wealth and power. Water Gallery explains that by the 1900s, fountains were mainly for decorative use due to the accessibility of indoor plumbing. The mechanics of fountains also changed over time with electric mechanical pumps replacing gravity to direct the water. Nowadays, fountain water is mainly recycled, with high-tech electric pumps and plastic pipelines used to shoot recycled water high into the air.
Transformation
Though the need for functional fountains lessened, decorative masterpieces evolved and continue to honor individuals and events to this day. In many cultures and traditions such as Feng Shui, fountains are considered good luck. North facing indoor fountains provide the ideal placement for career and wealth. Additionally, flowing water promotes positive energy. In many parts of the world, throwing coins in fountains is common. Tied to ancient tradition, mainly to be free of evil spirits, the practice evolved. Today, individuals may do it as a tradition for seeking good fortune. Beyond these beliefs, fountains frequently serve to illustrate historical or fictional narratives, and can symbolize concepts, ideals, emotions, or hold significant meaning within various cultures.
Here are 10 majestic fountains from around the world that everyone should see:
- “The Giant at Swarovski Kristallwelten” Fountain, Wattens, Austria: This intriguing fountain features a plant-covered structure that sits at the entrance to Swarovski Crystal World, a museum and themed park opened in 1995 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Swarovski company. The dramatic fountain installation, created by Austrian multimedia artist André Heller, features the plant-covered head of “The Giant” who greets visitors with large sparkling eyes and a waterfall cascading from the 56-foot tall massive head that spills water into a large pool. If myths and legends fascinate you, come see this fountain for a mystical and magical adventure and to capture that unique selfie.
- Moonlight Rainbow Fountain at Banpo Bridge, Seoul, South Korea: If shows of colored lights delight you, visit this iconic fountain and bridge over the Han River and recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest bridge fountain. Here, from April to October, musical fountains come alive with water jets that move in time to music. The 3,740-foot fountain bridge features 380 nozzles that spray water into the river as 10,000 color-changing LED lights dazzle onlookers with its rainbow effect. Who knew that a project headed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government could be so cool?
- The Diver’s Waterfall (or Human Waterfall), Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Located in the Dubai Mall, visitors can be amazed by the suspended figures in air diving downward with arms extended in form. The four-story tall waterfall and indoor fountain-like structure features water and fiberglass diver sculptures moving through all four levels. Designed by Singapore-based DPA Architects, and installed and opened in 2009, the concept was to pay homage to the region’s pearl diving history and the importance of water and its rhythmic flow. Now, you too can pay homage to this amazing art sculpture that is best described as dramatic and utterly spectacular!
- Tunnel of Surprises, Lima, Peru: Located in Parque de la Reserva in the Cercado de Lima district, it is part of the Magic Water Circuit, the world’s largest fountain complex in a public park per Guiness World Record. The 115-foot long tunnel is a popular feature that allows visitors to walk through amazing water arches. Built in 2007 as part of a modern municipal project, the colorfully illuminated water arch walkthrough tunnel fountain offers a fun, interactive water feature for all to see and enjoy! This fountain is equipped with high technology to include music, water, and laser lights, so it’s not to be missed!
- Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy: Proudly showcased as Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, it is famous for its expressive and dramatic sculptures built of Travertine stone and standing 86-feet tall and 161-feet wide. The central figure includes Oceanus (god of the sea), his statue in a shell-shaped chariot and flanked by statues of Abundance (Fertility) on the left with a cornucopia and Salubrity (Health) on the right with a cup and snake. Designed by Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini. The travertine statue stands at a junction of three roads (tre vie) and was built on the rear façade of Palazzo Poli. Completed in 1762, it marks the endpoint of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, furthering its historical significance. Tradition and lore surround this beloved fountain, with visitors tossing one coin over their left shoulder with their right hand to guarantee return to Rome.
- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain: This famous ornamental fountain is located at the foot of the Palau Nacional near Plaça d’Espanya. Originally built for the 1929 International Exposition, by engineer Carles Buigas, the stunning fountain features thousands of jets that send water dancing into the air. In 1992, the fountain’s technology was upgraded, replacing lighting and using groundwater to embrace sustainability. Making the experience even more magical are the complex systems of lights and prisms carefully choreographed to music. The large oval pool is about 213-feet wide, holds roughly 3.1 million liters of water, and has 3,620 jets spraying water an amazing 177 feet into the air!
- Crystal Fountains, Champs-Elysées, France: This relatively newer tourist attraction consists of six installations, each standing about 42-feet tall, adorned with treasured Swarovski crystals, with water flowing from their lead-glass crystal arms. Located on a roundabout near the Arc de Triomphe and along the famed Avenue de Champs-Elysées, the project was commissioned by the Fonds Pour Paris. Inaugurated in 2019, and created by brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, each fountain is made up of a central mast in bronze that supports 255 custom-made Swarovski crystal elements illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs. The crystals dance with the light of day and the seasons, and the glass diffuses the lighting at nighttime to add visually stunning soft and warm appeal.
- Scioto Mile Fountain, Bicentennial Park, Columbus, Ohio: This 15,000-square foot fountain is located within Scioto Mile, a 175-acre riverfront park. The fountain, a key feature of Columbus’ downtown riverfront revitalization, was part of a larger project. Dugan & Meyers and AECOM as the Design Builder contributed to the development of the fountain. The impressive water feature offers an interactive experience and highlights five iconic stainless steel halo structures. In addition to misting halos, the fountain features ground-level spray nozzles and a central blossom capable of shooting water jets 70 to 100 feet in the air. Dazzling lights and surround sound add to the dynamics. Come enjoy the thrilling display against the vivid backdrop of the city’s skyline. Operating from April to October, the splash-zone fountain can hold an amazing 110,000 gallons of water and uses an underground reservoir – providing entertainment of epic proportions!
- Kanazawa Station East Square Clock Fountain, Kanazawa, Japan: Visitors may come to this city to see the number one producer of gold leaf in Japan. If you’re looking for an offbeat modern fountain to enjoy as part of the experience, head to Kanazawa Station to see the delightful clock fountain that overlooks the famous Kenrokuen Garden and greets visitors with messages such as “welcome” written in different languages. The one-of-a-kind water fountain clock was installed when the station opened in 2005, and its design is attributed to local artists and technicians. Though the lead creator remains unknown, the technology reflected the station’s modernization and artistic innovation. Though now roughly 20 years old, the substantial sized combination clock feature with interactive water display uses advanced computer-guided technology to entertain locals and tourists. In addition to writing friendly messages and telling the time using water jets, the clock is illuminated in vibrant colors, making it fun to see after the sun sets. People delight in seeing the clock, which is why it made our list!
- Archibald Memorial Fountain, Sydney, Australia: In central Sydney’s Hyde Park sits a 59-foot diameter hexagonal fountain that commemorates the association between Australia and France in World War I. The fountain is named after J.F. Archibald, owner and editor of The Bulletin magazine who funded the project. Due to his love of French culture, and the relationship between his country and France, Archibald selected distinguished French sculptor François-Léon Sicard to design the fountain. Drawing themes from Greek antiquity, the fountain is a fine example of a classical revivalist sculpture and reflects the Art Deco period. A bronze Apollo is featured as the central raised figure with other mythical elements and the rising sun. At Apollo’s feet, water sprays from the heads of horses into a series of basins, while tortoises and dolphins’ direct jets of water toward the center. Completed in Paris in 1926, and unveiled in 1932, the artist unfortunately never saw this fountain in place. However, the good news is visitors have that opportunity!
A recap
While these ten stunning fountains are only a small sample of what’s out there, it’s worth noting their significance. Fountains hold artistic, cultural, political, and historical value worldwide, often standing as landmarks that reflect the stories, values, and beliefs of their communities. Whether created individually or collaboratively, these “art meets water” compositions illustrate themes ranging from entertainment and history to mythology, politics, and religion. Originally built for practical purposes like providing drinking water, fountains have evolved into expressive works of art meant to inspire future generations. Even if travel is limited, visiting local fountains can offer unique experiences—they’re distinctive pieces deserving appreciation. Each fountain is different, so explore broadly and discover as many as you can!
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional travel advice.
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