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Monument · Perúgia, Úmbria
Fontana Maggiore
Medieval marble fountain in the center of the Piazza IV Novembre, a symbol of Perúgia, with reliefs by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano depicting the months, the arts and the history of the city.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fontana Maggiore
The Fontana Maggiore was built at the end of the 13th century to celebrate the arrival of water to the upper town through a new aqueduct, which brought water from Monte Pacciano. The project is attributed to frei Bevignate, and the sculptures are by Nicola Pisano and his son, Giovanni Pisano.
There are two polygonal marble basins and a bronze cup at the top. The lower basin has 50 panels with the labors of the months of the year, the zodiac signs, the liberal arts and biblical and fable scenes. The upper basin has 24 statues of saints, biblical figures and characters from the history of Perúgia.
The fountain occupies the center of the Piazza IV Novembre, the city's old main square, between the Palazzo dei Priori and the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. It is the city's meeting point, and the cathedral steps opposite serve as bleachers for students and visitors.
An earthquake in 1348 damaged the fountain, and in the reconstruction some panels were reassembled out of their original order. It underwent restorations in the 20th century and is protected by a low grille.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes to look at the panels carefully.
Best time
Early in the morning, with the square empty and good light for the reliefs. At night the square is lit up and the cathedral steps are full of people.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza IV Novembre, at the end of Corso Vannucci, at the highest point of the historic center.
Tip
Walk all the way around the fountain to find the months of the year on the lower basin; each panel shows the fieldwork of that month.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fontana Maggiore
Who made the Fontana Maggiore?
The design is attributed to the friar Bevignate, and the sculptures are by Nicola Pisano and Giovanni Pisano, at the end of the 13th century.
What do the panels of the fountain show?
The months of the year showing agricultural labors, the zodiac, the liberal arts, and biblical, fable and historical scenes of Perúgia.
Is there an admission fee?
No. The fountain is outdoors, in the center of the square.