Fontana dell’Amenano is a white Carrara marble fountain in Piazza del Duomo, at the entrance to Catania’s Pescheria fish market. Sculpted by Tito Angelini in 1867, it depicts the river Amenano as a young man holding a cornucopia, with water spilling into a basin. The river now runs beneath the city, and the fountain gives you a glimpse of its water above ground. Stop to look at the sculpture, then watch the market take shape nearby, especially in the early morning.
A fountain at the market entrance
Fontana dell’Amenano stands in Piazza del Duomo, beside the entrance to the Pescheria, Catania’s fish market. Its position puts the fountain between the square and the market, where you can watch the daily scene gather around it.
The fountain was made in 1867 by Neapolitan sculptor Tito Angelini. Its white Carrara marble stands out against the dark lava stone found in much of Catania’s architecture.
The river beneath Catania
The fountain represents the Amenano as a young man holding a cornucopia. Water flows from it into a basin and then over the edge. The local name “acqua a linzolu” means “water in a sheet,” a reference to the flowing water.
The Amenano once ran above ground. The 1669 eruption of Mount Etna buried the river beneath the city. Today, the fountain is one place where its water can be seen above ground. The river also runs through underground sections of Catania, including the cellars of Ostello Agorà.
The site of Lake Nicito
Before the lava flow of 1669, Lake Nicito lay a short distance beyond the city’s western walls. The lake was covered by the eruption, and Via Lago di Nicito marks its former position today.
From the fountain, you can continue through Piazza del Duomo or into the Pescheria. The combination of the marble sculpture, flowing water and market entrance makes this a compact stop on a walk through the square.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Fontana dell’Amenano?
It is in Piazza del Duomo in Catania, at the entrance to the Pescheria fish market.
When was the fountain built?
Tito Angelini created the Carrara marble fountain in 1867.
What does Fontana dell’Amenano represent?
It depicts the Amenano River as a young man holding a cornucopia. The river now runs beneath Catania.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the morning to see the Pescheria setting up behind the fountain.
