Fontana Pretoria (Palermo)

In short: The Fontana Pretoria is a monumental Mannerist fountain of white marble on Piazza Pretoria in the heart of Palermo’s old town, popularly nicknamed the “Fontana della Vergogna” (Fountain of Shame) for its many nude figures. The fountain is fenced and viewed from outside; plan on 15–20 minutes and combine it with a stroll around the old town near the Quattro Canti.

Quick Facts

• Type: Mannerist marble fountain (created 1554 by Francesco Camilliani, installed in Palermo from 1574)
• Location: Piazza Pretoria, old town Palermo – one block south of the Quattro Canti
• Duration: approx. 15–20 minutes
• Admission: free (public square, viewed from outside only)
• Without a car: ideal – central pedestrian location, no car needed
• Best time: early morning or evening (then illuminated, fewer crowds)

Who Is This Visit For?

Target group	Well suited	Limitations
City walks & photography	central, free highlight between the Quattro Canti and Piazza Bellini	outside viewing only, fountain is fenced
Culture & history	significant Mannerist work with a rich figural programme	the background only comes alive with some explanation
Families	short stop, open square	no shade, often busy
Those seeking quiet	peaceful and well-lit early in the morning	many tour groups during the day

What You’ll See

• Figural programme – concentric, terraced basins with nymphs, tritons, river gods, animals and mythological figures across several levels.
• Four river basins – the reclining figures on the lowest level represent Palermo’s rivers Oreto, Papireto, Gabriele and Maredolce.
• Wrought-iron railing – the surrounding enclosure (designed by G. B. F. Basile, 1858) frames the fountain.
• The square itself – surrounded by the town hall (Palazzo delle Aquile), the church of Santa Caterina and the dome of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.

History

The Tuscan sculptor Francesco Camilliani created the fountain in 1554, originally for the garden of a villa near Florence. In 1573 the indebted owner sold the work to the Senate of Palermo; in 1574 it arrived in the city in 644 individual pieces. Camilliani’s son Camillo reassembled it – in an altered arrangement – on Piazza Pretoria by 1581, for which several houses had to be demolished.

Because of the many nude marble figures – and later also as a jibe at a city administration perceived as corrupt – the nickname “Fontana della Vergogna” caught on, and the square became the “Piazza della Vergogna”. A comprehensive restoration took place from 1998 to 2003.

Planning Your Visit & Getting There

The Fontana Pretoria sits centrally in the old town of Palermo, just one block south of the Quattro Canti. It’s part of every old-town walk and combines well with La Martorana, the Cathedral of Palermo and the Ballarò market. A car is unnecessary: the old town is largely a pedestrian zone or ZTL, and parking is difficult – use public transport or go on foot.

How worthwhile a visit is also depends on the season – our guide to the best time to visit Sicily offers an overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening Hours & Admission

Piazza Pretoria and the fountain are freely accessible at all times (public square, viewed from outside). The neighbouring church of Santa Caterina, with its terraces, offers an elevated view of the fountain and square; an admission fee is usually charged for this. Opening hours and prices for Santa Caterina vary seasonally – please check officially on the day. As of: June 2026.

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