Fontana dell'Elefante
كاتانيا
The Elephant Fountain is Catania's symbol par excellence, in the middle of Piazza del Duomo. Its lava-stone elephant, which Catanians fondly call «u Liotru», is the heart of the city. An iconic and intriguing stop along the treasure map.
History
The fountain was built between 1735 and 1737 by the architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, during Catania's Baroque rebuilding after the 1693 earthquake. Vaccarini restored an ancient lava-stone elephant statue that had stood in the city for centuries and placed it at the centre of the new monumental square.
What to see
In the middle of the fountain stands the black lava-stone elephant, carrying on its back a granite obelisk decorated with Egyptian-style figures, which however do not form real hieroglyphic writing. On top are a globe, a tablet dedicated to Sant'Agata and a cross. The whole rests on a white marble base in the middle of a basin.
Curiosities
The elephant, called «u Liotru» in dialect, has been Catania's official symbol since 1239 and appears on the city's coat of arms. The dialect nickname comes from a popular legend about a wizard. The obelisk, of uncertain origin, was perhaps one of the turning posts of Catania's ancient Roman circus.
How to visit
The fountain stands in the middle of Piazza del Duomo, always open and free. Since 1998 you can sit on the steps at its foot: it's where Catanians meet up and the perfect spot for a souvenir photo. From here it's an easy walk on to the Duomo and via Etnea.
