Italy is surrounded by water, and perhaps its centuries-old architectural creativity was somehow influenced by this as Italy is filled with innumerable fountains. Some magnificent and world-renowned and others simple and serving a local purpose.

Who hasn't dreamed of being in Rome just to toss a coin in the Trevi fountain (fig. 1)? Wandering about Piazza Navona in Rome, how not to admire the spectacular details and greatness of the Bernini fountains (figs. 2-3)? 

If one remains vigilant, there is much more to see: lions spilling water in Piazza del Popolo (fig. 4), the amazing Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto (fig. 5), or the classic fountain in the City Hall Square of Sutri (fig. 6) near Viterbo. A day trip to Tivoli is an incredible visual experience. One enters Villa D'Este and wanders around its impeccable gardens and the spectacular fountains (fig. 7) designed in the 16th century by renowned architect Pirro Ligorio.

Bagnaia is a small medieval town north of Rome where Villa Lante is found. The stunning property’s construction began in 1566, commissioned by Cardinal Gambara. It was frequently used as a summer retreat by Cardinals and Popes. Its immaculate gardens and quite dramatic fountains and water features (figs. 8-10) are breathtaking.

Often amazing and interesting fountains can be seen in ordinary villages or small sites in the countryside (figs. 11-13), at times becoming the training field for future soccer stars (fig. 14) as well as the unlikely backdrop (fig. 15) for a Sunday art fair

Back in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna, the perfect people-watching spot has to be the Fontana della Barcaccia (fig. 16), certainly the heart of the Eternal City.

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