Amenano fountain in Catania

Within the Piazza del Duomo in Catania, more precisely on its southernmost side, there is the Amenano Fountain, one of the most characteristic monuments of the entire city, around which evocative legends and popular stories revolve which are handed down from generation to generation. The Fontana dell'Amenano is now considered one of the most iconic symbols of the city ​​of Catania, understood as one of her traits that best represent her. For all the inhabitants of Catania, the Amenano Fountain is also known as "Water in Linzolu”, to indicate the way in which the water pours into the basin below, where it descends with a fine cascade effect that recalls, precisely, a sheet.

History of the Amenano Fountain in Catania

The Amenano Fountain was created in 1867 by Tito Angelini, the skilful Neapolitan sculptor who during thenineteenth century boasted a considerable reputation throughout the country. For the realization of the entire work was chosen the Carrara marble as the main material, excellently worked by Tito Angelini who was able to apply all his mastery. Today, the Amenano Fountain is also enriched by some elements made in lava stone, such as the covering of the underlying basin and the staircase placed behind it which leads up to the Catania fish market, One of the historical markets most important in the city.

Symbology of the Amenano Fountain in Catania

The Amenano Fountain depicts the personification of the Amenano river, which is represented as a young man holding up a cornucopia, from which the water that generates thecascade effect.
Il Amenano river it is a particularly dated reservoir, which today flows almost entirely into the Catania subsoil, although, once upon a time, it crossed the entire historical center of Catania. The Fountain of Amenano, therefore, is not only shown as a work of art for its own sake but represents much more, as it recalls a part of the history of Catania, in which the river represented one of the main resources of the territory, which allowed the development of its first urban settlements, thanks to which it was possible to give life to the wonderful city we know today.

Piazza del Duomo in Catania

The Fontana dell'Amenano is just one of the scenographic elements present inside the Piazza del Duomo in Catania, where, within a few meters, you can admire the beauties of the Catania Cathedral, entitled to Sant'Agata, in addition to the symbol of Catania par excellence, that is the liotrulocated in the center of the square. Here are also the Catania town hall and Palace of the Seminary of the Clerics, as well as being the main access to the splendid Via Etna, which continues with the characteristic style Sicilian baroque.

How to get to the Amenano Fountain in Catania

The Fontana dell'Amenano is located in the most central part of the city of Catania, which can be easily reached both with the internal buses of AMT Catania and with the regional bus lines, which connect the Etna city with all the other Sicilian municipalities. The historic center of Catania also boasts the services offered by the Catania Metro, as well as being in a position quite close to the Catania Central Railway Station, ideal for those traveling by train. The city is also served by many national and international air connections, which land directly at Catania's Fontanarossa Airport.

© Image by G. dallorto, gnuckx, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons