Fontana Maggiore
Umbria
Fontana Maggiore is a celebrated medieval fountain located at the center of Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia, Italy. Designed by Frà Bevignate da Cingoli and constructed between 1275 and 1277, it commemorates the arrival of water to the city's acropolis via a new aqueduct. The fountain features two concentric polygonal marble basins made from Assisi stone, adorned with 25 panels illustrating the twelve months of the year, zodiac signs, agricultural work, liberal arts, biblical figures, and Roman history. The upper bronze basin, crafted by Rosso Padellaio, is decorated with a group of female figures, possibly nymphs, from which water flows. The fountain was sculpted by renowned artists Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni, who infused it with rich symbolism and artistry. Despite damage from the 1348 earthquake and subsequent restorations in the 20th century, Fontana Maggiore remains a symbol of Perugia's heritage and artistic achievement. Its design inspired other fountains, including the Sturinalto fountain in Fabriano. The fountain's detailed reliefs celebrate manual labor and intellectual pursuits, embodying the medieval worldview and craftsmanship.
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Tip: Visit Fontana Maggiore during the day for optimal lighting to appreciate its detailed reliefs. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Consider exploring the nearby historic center of Perugia. While entry to the square is free, guided tours may enhance understanding of the fountain's symbolism. Check local tourism sites for any scheduled maintenance or events. No advance ticket purchase is necessary as it is an open public monument.
Interesting facts
- •The fountain's water was ingeniously brought uphill from Monte Pacciano without pumps using a forced pressure duct.
- •The 25 marble panels depict not only the twelve months and zodiac signs but also scenes of daily life, agriculture, liberal arts, biblical stories, and Roman history.
- •The fountain was sculpted by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni, key figures in medieval sculpture.
- •The upper bronze basin features a group of female figures, likely nymphs, sculpted by Rosso Padellaio.
- •Fontana Maggiore inspired the design of the Sturinalto fountain in Fabriano in 1285.
History
Fontana Maggiore was constructed between 1275 and 1277 to mark the arrival of water to Perugia's acropolis through a new aqueduct engineered by Boninsegna Veneziano.
It was sculpted by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni, prominent figures of medieval art.
The fountain suffered damage during the 1348 earthquake, leading to a disordered reconstruction of its panels.
Restoration efforts took place in 1948-49 and again from 1995 to 1999.
In the early 20th century, architect Giuseppe Sacconi also contributed to its refurbishment.
The fountain influenced other Renaissance fountains, notably the Sturinalto fountain in Fabriano.
Place Guide
Lower Marble Basin1278
This basin consists of 25 polygonal panels, each divided into two tiles illustrating the twelve months of the year paired with zodiac signs. Each month features scenes of agricultural work and daily life, emphasizing the dignity of manual labor alongside representations of the liberal arts, biblical figures, and Roman history. The artwork reflects medieval life and philosophy.
Upper Bronze Basin1277
Crafted by Rosso Padellaio, the bronze upper basin is adorned with a colorful group of female figures, possibly nymphs, from which water flows. This element crowns the fountain and adds a dynamic visual centerpiece to the marble structure.
