Fountains of Siena

Step into the middle ages with a visit to Siena. The Tuscan hill town's magnificent cathedral, built in the 1200s, is a marvel of marble floors and astonishing artworks. In just about every part of Siena, there are fountains to sit by and admire.

Aqueducts and complex irrigation systems brought water into and around the city. Many fountains were built on what was once the outskirts of Siena; for use in cooking, drinking and in agriculture. With roofs that protected the water from pollution, Siena’s water was highly regarded and protected. Spend a relaxing day finding, savoring and photographing Siena’s diverse fountains.

Fonte Gaia: The Gaia Fountain is one of the most important works of the Italian 1400s and is both Gothic and Renaissance in style. Centrally located in Piazza del Campo, Fonte Gaia is considered to be "the queen of Sienese fountains”.

Fontebranda: The oldest, most impressive and famous fountain in Siena. Fontebranda is associated with the birth and early life of Saint Catherine. It was also cited by Dante in his Inferno. Today, Fontebranda is a site for outdoor concerts and dance performances during the summer.

Fonte d’Ovile: Fonte d'Ovile was built in 1260 to replace an earlier fountain. It began to decline in importance already by the end of the century with the construction of the Fonte Nuova, but is indeed worth visiting and admiring.

Fonte del Casato: Siena’s hidden fountain, built in a central area of city, a pleasant and unexpected surprise worth finding.

Fonte Nuova d'Ovile: Built in the Gothic style; it is striking for its distinct arches, and was built as the outlet for the bottino of the same name in order to bring water to Vallerozzi for industrial and agricultural uses.

Spend a relaxing day finding, savoring and photographing Siena’s diverse fountains. Visit Siena with Celtic Tours.