The Pretoria Fountain fills much of Piazza Pretoria in Palermo’s historic centre, just steps from Quattro Canti. Its tiered marble basins and balustrades are crowded with sculpted nymphs, tritons, animals and river gods. The many nude figures earned it the nickname Fontana della Vergogna, or Fountain of Shame, though stories differ about exactly how the name arose.
Designed by Florentine sculptor Francesco Camilliani in the 1550s for a private villa, the fountain was bought by Palermo’s Senate in 1573. It was dismantled, shipped to Sicily and adapted for its new home in front of Palazzo Pretorio, the city hall. Some of its figures came to represent rivers associated with Palermo, giving the Tuscan Renaissance work a distinctly local meaning.
Walk around the fountain to take in its intricate figures against the surrounding architecture, including Palazzo delle Aquile and the church of Santa Caterina. Piazza Bellini and Quattro Canti are close by, making the fountain an easy stop on a walk through the old town.
Visit in the morning for softer light and a quieter square; summer afternoons can be hot, with little shade. The fountain is best reached on foot, and its sculptures are often fenced off, so plan to admire them from the perimeter rather than climb on the monument.