The word “fountain” comes from the French word, fountaine, which means “natural spring.” Water fountains invoke the same feel of a natural spring that bubbles and gurgles with life; therefore, while we go about our day-to-day business, working and taking care of our families, we crave the calmness which can be evoked by water. That is why many people choose to have water fountains installed in their homes, yards, and businesses each and every year.
Some of the most well known fountains in the world greatly contribute to fountain designs today. Their stories and their design have helped to bring water fountains in the forefront of society today. These fountains include:
- Trevi Fountain.
This is undoubtedly the most popular water fountain in the world. Located in Rome, Italy, the design of this beautiful water fountain is unmatched by any other fountain in the world. “Tre vie” means fountain at the juncture of three roads, which is where the Trevi Fountain got its name. The figure of Triton in his shell chariot is framed by figures of other beings, as well as seahorses and more. This beautiful water fountain delights people the world over with its great detail and aesthetic beauty. Tradition has it that if you throw a coin in the pool that you will return to Rome someday, which has people sending approximately 3,000 Euros into the pool each day. This money is removed nightly and used to feed the needy in Rome.
- Villa d’Este Gardens.
The water fountains that are located at the Villa d’Este are considered to be the second most popular water fountains in the world. Located right outside of Rome, in Tivoli, these beautiful gardens feature a great concentration of water fountains, water play, and more to create one of the most aesthetically pleasing gardens in the world. The Cardinal Ippolito d’Este came to this villa after he failed to become pope and began the process that makes this villa what it is today. The future generations of his family carried on the process of landscaping gardens and building water fountains and features. In 1920, Villa d’Este became the property of the Italian State and it was opened to the public. Restorations are ongoing to keep the fountains and landscaping free from environmental damage.
- Alhambra and Generalife.
The Alhambra fortress and the Generalife gardens were built for the emirs who ruled Spain in the 13th and 14th centuries. Generalife, which means “architect’s gardens”, features fountains, canals, and other water sources that flow throughout this beautiful garden. The water fountains are something to behold in the Generalife gardens with their old world charm and the stairway of the water that will mesmerize you with its beauty and charm.
- Versailles Park and Fountains.
The Fountains at Versailles took over twenty years to create from start to finish and some of them are easily the most recognizable water fountains in the world today. These fountains are part of the area around the castle of Versailles that was built by Louis the Fourteenth. The Apollo Fountain, the Neptune Fountain, and the Latona Fountains are easily the largest fountains found at Versailles and each features its own theme that is detailed and enhanced by the water.
- Fountains at the Peterhof Palace.
These beautiful water fountains are found on the grounds at the Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Grand Cascade fountain features cascading water down layers of steps that flows into the Samson Fountain and the Sea Channel. The Samson Fountain features a sculpture of Samson defeating the lion, which represents Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War. These fountains were a marvel because no pumps are used to operate the fountains. They are entirely natural with the natural springs and the elevation differences that naturally pumps the water into the air.
- Fountains at Chatsworth House.
Located in Derbyshire, England, this estate features cascading fountains, geysers that throw water high into the air, and “trick” fountains that soak unsuspecting visitors. Built in the late 1600’s by William Cavendish, this estate features fountains such as the willow tree fountain that shoots water high into the air when visitors get too close. These “trick” fountains are one of the most enjoyable parts of the Chatsworth House fountains, simply because you are never sure when they are going to erupt. The Sea Horse Fountain is fed by the Water Cascade, where sheets of water flow down elegant steps. Chatsworth House features gravity fed fountains that are delightful to watch and listen to.
- Mannekin Pis.
This water fountain is Brussels, Belgium features a sculpture of a small boy that is relieving himself in the pool of water. He is believed to have been created as a decoration on the top of a fountain during the Middle Ages where people would come to get water for their normal daily activities. He was resculpted in the 1600’s, because the original one was beginning to show signs of deterioration. The Mannekin Pis has over 600 costumes that he wears to celebrate different holidays and occasions, including an Elvis Presley costume and a Mickey Mouse costume. The Mannekin Pis has been hidden during wars and stolen during pranks.
- Jet d’eau.
Geneva, Switzerland is the home of the Jet d’eau (water fountain). This water fountain sends a half of a cubic meter of water straight up into the air up to 140 meters high. This water fountain is lit, which makes it beautiful to watch during the evenings. It was built in 1891 and the lighting was added in 1930.
- Buckingham Fountain.
In Chicago, Illinois, the Buckingham Fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park. This beautiful Georgia marble fountain features seahorses and cascading water that is highlighted with colored lights in the evenings. This beautiful water and light show is the highlight of Chicago summer evenings, with its great beauty and appeal that draws people from all over. Kate Buckingham dedicated the fountain to her late brother, Clarence, in 1927 and established a trust to help with its upkeep. The fountain was designed to represent Lake Michigan and the four seahorses represent the four states that touch Lake Michigan. The fountain sprays water on a set schedule and every hour on the hour shoots sprays of water through the air for approximately 20 minutes.
- The Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
The fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada are located in an eight-acre lake that is directly in front of the hotel. These fountains feature jets that shoot up in choreographed dances that are accompanied with music and lighting. Watching these fountains is much like watching a beautiful dance. From whimsical to grand, the water dance is something to behold in its great intricacy and great beauty.
As you can see from the top ten water fountains in the world, water fountain history varies in its design and style. The great variety in styles and design can enable you, as a home or business owner, to find the right water fountain for your home or business. From small wall-hung fountains to large outdoor fountains for your yard or courtyard, you will find that there are water fountains that you can use to help create a space of life and relaxation in and around your home and business
