Fontana della Vergogna
About
A grand Renaissance marble fountain that once graced Florence’s noble gardens before finding a new home in Palermo’s Piazza Pretoria. Erected in 1544 by Francesco Camilliani and relocated to the capital city in 1574, the fountain celebrates the Twelve Olympians along with a host of mythological figures, animals, and river nymphs. Its relocation and subsequent restoration—completed in 2003—have turned the square into a celebrated public space, affectionately nicknamed the “Piazza della Vergogna” (Square of Shame) due to its earlier notoriety for nudity. Today it stands as a centerpiece of Palermo’s historic centre, offering visitors a chance to admire intricate marble sculpture, Renaissance design, and the impressive blend of art and urban history.
Highlights
- Twelve Olympians Sculpture Group
- Renaissance Marble Craftsmanship
- Historical Relocation Story