Contemplate the legends associated with the symbol of Catania, which sits on an intricately carved fountain in the centre of a lively old town square.
The Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante) stands proudly in the heart of Catania’s architecturally impressive Cathedral Square. Spend some time appreciating the craftsmanship of the fountain, which features aspects that date back to the Roman era. Then admire the monumental buildings that add elegance to the square. Watch as locals meet at the Elephant Fountain to chat and watch the world pass by while sitting at cafés.
An elephant sculpture made from black lava dominates the fountain and is believed to have originated in Roman times. The elephant is a sacred emblem for Catanians and displayed on the city’s coat of arms and the crests of the University of Catania and Catania soccer club. Some say it relates to an ancient religion, others that it’s a symbol of victory against the Carthaginians, and others that it represents an aristocratic wizard called Eliodoro. An obelisk engraved with Egyptian hieroglyphics rests on the elephant’s back.
Sicilian architect Giovanni Vaccarini designed the fountain in the 1730s. The elephant and obelisk rest on a pedestal featuring carvings of cherubs, some carrying water vessels and others sitting in fonts. Bas-reliefs symbolize two Sicilian rivers, the Amenano and Simeto.
Located on Piazza Duomo and in Catania’s Old Town, the fountain is walking distance from hotels and major city attractions. Stazione Catania Centrale train station is less than a 20-minute walk to the east and Catania ferry terminal is about 15 minutes away on foot.
You can visit the Elephant Fountain at any time of the day. Arrive in the evening, when crowds gather to socialize and soft lights create a romantic atmosphere by illuminating the square’s buildings. Include a visit to Catania Cathedral, which has elements of Roman, Norman and Baroque architecture. Inspect the façades of Palazzo dei Chierici and Palazzo degli Elefanti, the latter adorned with elephant carvings.
