For centuries, humans have been building fountains to make public spaces more charming. Here are some of the most impressive creations in the world, which we can now admire from the comfort of our homes through these photos.
There was a time when fountains primarily served a functional purpose, providing drinking water and bathing opportunities for people. However, over the past millennia, fountains have gained fame as architectural masterpieces and decorative elements, and today, they are primarily known as sculptural features. In modern times, every self-respecting city has at least one unique fountain, as these creations are not only visually striking but also have a calming effect due to the water, making them a perfect place to relax during the hot summer months. Here are, without claiming completeness, some of the most beautiful fountains in the world
Luxury in St. Petersburg
The Peterhof Palace fountain complex in St. Petersburg, known as the Grand Cascade, was built following the design of fountains made for the French King Louis XIV. It is no surprise, then, that the palace, along with the city center, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often referred to as the Russian Versailles. The fountain was commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great in the early 18th century
The complex includes 64 fountains and over 200 gilded bronze statues. At its center stands Rastrelli's stunning creation, the Samson Fountain, where water shoots 20 meters high from the mouths of lions. The statue depicts the struggle between Samson and the lion, symbolizing Russia's victory over Sweden during the Great Northern War.
Magical Fountain in Barcelona
The special feature of the Magic Fountain in Barcelona is that it shines in unique colors in the evenings. The fountain was built in 1929 for the World Exposition, based on the designs of Carles Buigas. They had only one year to realize the concept, but many believed the plans were too ambitious for the structure to be completed on time. Over 3,000 workers were involved in the project, so the work was eventually completed on time.
Nowadays, the Magic Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona: anyone who passes by and has the opportunity should definitely see the night "performance," which combines colors, music, and a water show.
Rome's pride
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Many will surely remember the iconic scene from the film La Dolce Vita, in which Anita Ekberg steps into the fountain fully dressed.
The structure itself is about 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, making it the largest baroque fountain in the Italian capital. This unique masterpiece was built in the 17th century based on the designs of Niccolò Salvi on the southern facade of the Poli Palace. The central element of the fountain is the statue of Neptune, created by Pietro Bracci. Although many other artists contributed to the sculptures, the composition forms a unified whole. According to legend, if you throw a coin into its waters, luck will smile upon you, and you are sure to return to Rome.
Dubai can't be left out either
When it comes to Dubai, we’ve already gotten used to the fact that luxury knows no bounds. This desert city-state is home to the world’s tallest building, the largest flower garden, and the biggest aquarium, in addition to its own man-made palm tree-shaped island group. Naturally, such a city also boasts an impressive fountain. Right next to the Burj Khalifa, on the artificial Burj Dubai Lake, we find the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest "dancing" fountain, which is capable of shooting out as much as 83,000 liters of water at once
The water curtain shooting out from the fountain reaches over 150 meters in height, which is equivalent to the height of a 50-story building. Naturally, an impressive show accompanies the fountain. The fountain, illuminated by more than 6,000 lights, features a unique water display accompanied by melodic music.
Las Vegas Miracle
The Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas is also built on an artificial lake, directly in front of the Bellagio Hotel. It is one of the most spectacular fountains in the world, dazzling the crowds that usually gather in front of it with incredible "choreographies." The impressive show is set to world hits such as Time To Say Goodbye, Your Song, Viva Las Vegas, Luck Be a Lady, and My Heart Will Go On.
The construction of the Bellagio Fountain cost over 41 million dollars, and it is capable of shooting water jets up to 24 stories high. The dancing water jets, emerging from 1,200 nozzles, offer a unique spectacle every 30 minutes (or every 15 minutes after 8 p.m.).
