Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts

Description

Standing in Piazza S. Vito in the heart of L’Aquila, the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts feels like you’ve stepped back in time—straight into the thirteenth century. Locally known as the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, this ancient city landmark is more than just a fountain; it’s a symbol of L’Aquila’s rich history, resilience, and creative spirit. You’ll find water streaming from exactly 99 sculpted stone faces—called “mascaroni”—each one unique and with its own mysterious story.

The atmosphere here is calm yet reverent. Children play along the cool stone steps, while locals linger, reading or simply listening to the steady trickle. When the breeze picks up, you can hear how the sounds of splashing water blend with the city’s background hum. During my walk around the fountain, I caught myself pausing at every few mascaroni, marveling at the variety of expressions and artistic details every single one has; some faces are serene, others downright mischievous.

Built in 1272 by architect Tancredi da Pentima on the command of L’Aquila’s founding fathers, the fountain wasn’t just for beauty—its network of spouts actually represented the original 99 villages that united to form the city. Over centuries, this purpose has faded, but the sense of unity and identity remains strong. After 2009’s devastating earthquake, significant restoration brought new life to the site without erasing its scars, making your visit feel that much more meaningful.

Key Features

• 99 Unique Sculpted Heads: Every water spout pours from a mascaron, no two alike. Some resemble human faces, others hint at mythical creatures or animals—try to find your favorite!
• Historic Stonework: Built from blocks of pink and white local stone, the geometric walls frame the fountain like a patchwork quilt—especially stunning in the soft evening light.
• Restoration Markers: Carefully restored after the 2009 earthquake, look for plaques and subtle differences between original and restored sections—a poignant reminder of L’Aquila’s story.
• Accessible Plaza: The piazza is flat and open, accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, making it family-friendly for kids (who often try to count all 99 mascaroni but always lose track!).
• Free Street Parking: For those driving, you can usually find a spot on the nearby streets without fuss, unlike many Italian old towns.
• Cool, Refreshing Atmosphere: The spring-fed water runs cold—even on hot Abruzzo afternoons, it’s a welcome retreat.

Best Time to Visit

In my experience, the best times to visit the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts are early mornings or late afternoons from May to October. Visiting earlier in the day, just as the city starts to wake up, you might find yourself sharing the plaza with just a few locals walking their dogs. The golden light really brings out the pink and white hues in the stone, and the air feels crisp from the mountain spring water.

Summer draws larger crowds, especially on weekends, yet it never feels too busy to enjoy. If you’re hoping for quiet reflection or to get unobstructed photos of all those quirky mascarons, try a weekday. Winter isn’t as common for tourists, but snow adds a whimsical touch—just bundle up, because the air and water can get bitingly cold.

If you happen to visit in late June, you might catch some of L’Aquila’s local festivals, when the square around the fountain becomes even more animated, with music and traditional Abruzzese food stalls nearby.

How to Get There

The Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is located on the southern edge of L’Aquila’s historic core, in Piazza S. Vito. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll appreciate the free street parking just around the site—a pleasant surprise in an ancient Italian city. I always aim to set the GPS for “Via Borgo Rivera”, then walk two minutes from there.

L’Aquila’s main railway station is less than a 10-minute walk away; simply follow the gentle slope down towards the old river quarter. No steep climbs, and plenty of signage will guide you toward “Fontana delle 99 Cannelle”—hard to miss, given its fame as the city’s most recognizable attraction.

Coming from the city center, a relaxed 20-minute stroll through the medieval streets—passing shops and local bakeries—brings you straight there. If you’re taking the bus, most local lines running toward the Stazione Ferroviaria will drop you less than 200 meters from the fountain.

Tips for Visiting

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush past. Each mascaron has such character—I recommend circling the fountain a few times and looking from different angles. Kids get a kick out of trying to spot their favorite face.
• Pack a Water Bottle: The fountain’s spring water is famously fresh and clean. Locals fill bottles here regularly; it feels almost ritualistic. I always refill mine before heading into town.
• Photography: Early morning or sunset is best for photos—the softened light brings out the stone’s textures, and you’ll have fewer people in your shot.
• Learn Some History: There are small information boards (in Italian and English) describing the fountain’s origin and its symbolic meaning. Reading them really adds depth to your visit. I found details about the original villages to be especially fascinating.
• Respect the Restoration: After the 2009 earthquake, parts of the fountain were painstakingly rebuilt. You’ll notice some subtle differences between old and new segments—take a moment to spot them. It makes the whole experience feel even more alive.
• Combine with Local Attractions: Since you’re south of the city center, consider walking five minutes to the National Museum of Abruzzo housed in the old Spanish fort, or relaxing in one of the local cafes nearby after your visit.
• Parking Advantage: Arriving by car? Free street parking lets you linger longer without the stress. I’ve always found a space with a little patience, even on busy days.

There’s a certain magic to visiting the Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts—whether you’re tracing the city’s medieval roots, admiring centuries-old stonework, or simply letting children frolic by the water. After visiting multiple times, it’s clear why this spot is so closely woven into L’Aquila’s identity. If you’re planning a trip to Abruzzo or already wandering the region, set aside an hour or two for this landmark—you’ll see why so many travelers (myself included) keep coming back.