The monumental fountains of the Amalfi Coast

Walking through the villages and towns of the Amalfi Coast, it is practically impossible not to notice the countless fountains, of exquisite workmanship, that shine in the most famous squares or reveal themselves in hidden corners. These are true monumental masterpieces that with the passage of time have become an integral part of the beauty of the landscape. Let us discover together the most famous ones.

Fountain of the Lions in Minori

In Umberto I Square in Minori stands the Fountain of Lions, one of the town’s symbolic monuments. Of great artistic value, it dates back to the first half of the 19th century and consists of a circular basin with a fluted column rock in the center that almost certainly comes from a classical monument. The name derives from the presence of two ivory-colored stone lions, much older than the rest of the structure, which are believed to have been part of the entrance portal of the very old church then Cathedral dedicated to St. Trofimena.

Fountain of St. Andrew the Apostle in Amalfi

Just in front of Amalfi Cathedral, on the other hand, is the splendid fountain dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle, the city’s patron saint. Implanted at the foot of the cathedral’s scenic staircase in 1757, it was later moved to its current location in 1869 following the rebuilding of the square. Made in the Baroque style, it consists of a statue of the saint (depicted with the cross of martyrdom) with four marble angels at his feet. On the left side is a dove and on the right side a sea proteus (commonly known as the “Pulicano”). In a central position is a mermaid while on the sides outside the basin and around the statue are civic symbols and humanistic literary inscriptions.

Fountain “cap e’ ciuccio” in Amalfi

Also in Amalfi, a few steps away from the Fountain of St. Andrew the Apostle, is the ancient and characteristic “cap e’ ciuccio” (donkey’s head) fountain. Dating back to the 18th century, it preserves memory and evidence of rural Amalfi. It is so called because shepherds and farmers coming down from the Valle delle Ferriere used to stop here for their donkeys to drink on their way to the port. The fountain has two marble heads on either side that serve as fountains. A small curiosity: inside the basin is set up (since 1974) an impressive permanent nativity scene, made of limestone and tuff stones from the Valle dei Mulini.

Moresca Fountain in Ravello

In Ravello, one of the most charming towns on the Amalfi Coast, is the monumental Moresca Fountain, which is definitely worth seeing. Located in the square of the same name, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo, it dates back to the 18th century. It features a circular basin with a double umbrella structure in the center from which water gushes out. Of considerable artistic interest were the two statues representing the ox and the lion (symbol of the evangelists) that decorated the water spouts and were stolen in the 1970s. However, copies made by an artist from Catania can be admired today.

Fountain in Piazza d’Amato in Maiori

Also not to be missed is the monumental fountain in Piazza d’Amato (formerly known as Piazza dell’Olmo) in Maiori, which is in an early 19th-century neoclassical style. It is not only aesthetically beautiful to look at but is also a historical testimony to the importance of the place where it stands. In 1490 the mayor of Maiori obtained permission from the archbishop of Amalfi to conduct water there, so a fountain was built and the following year two elms and a poplar tree were planted there (hence the square’s ancient name). Damaged by the 1954 flood, 60 years later it was faithfully rebuilt by architect Vincenzo Apicella.

Fountains of Palazzo Mezzacapo in Maiori

Along Corso Reginna in Maiori stands the historic Palazzo Mezzacapo, a splendid noble palace that belonged to the family of Marquis Mezzacapo. Today the building is home to the municipal library, the historical archives, the cultural laboratory and a number of municipal offices. In the palace’s lush gardens, whose layout is apparently in the shape of the Maltese cross (in honor of the order of the same name to which several members of the family belonged), there are a large number of scenic fountains, which in the evening are illuminated, creating fascinating plays of light and reflections.