Anyone who has visited Siena couldn’t miss the famous Fountain of Joy, also known as Fonte Gaia. Situated on the high side of Piazza del Campo, this fifteeenth-century white marble sculpted fountain and pool is one of a few medieval fountains in Siena with water supplied from ancient aqueducts and nearby canals in the surrounding hills of Tuscany. One of the top tourist attractions in Siena, seldom is there a time when the fountain is not surrounded by people.
Built in 1419, the Fountain of Joy has been nicknamed “the queen of Sienese fountains.” Fonte Gaia has the distinction of being the highest fountain in Italy as its Siena location is 321 meters, or over 1000 feet above sea level. The water, once used by the townspeople for drinking and other needs, is not potable today.
A stunning piece of art, the Fountain of Joy attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike to photograph it, sit by it, throw coins into it and stare at this marvel sculpture. The elaborate panels surrounding the pool are actually copies of the original works of art, which are now housed in the nearby Palazzo Pubblico.
Some interesting history – Siena’s most acclaimed sculptor, Jacopo delle Quercia, was commissioned to build the Fountain of Joy to replace an older fountain which featured the pagan statue of Venus. After the Black Plague claimed 80,000 lives in Siena, this pagan statue was blamed and Quercia replaced it with Fonte Gaia, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary. Once water flowed freely from the completed fountain the Siena people were celebrating with joy and thus the fountain was named.
Some of Quercia’s sculptures on the sides of the fountain depict the creation of Adam and Eve and the flight from the Garden of Eden. In the center of the fountain, the Madonna and Child are the featured design. Two angels and a depiction of the cardinal virtues also adorn the center part of the fountain. In 1858 a replica (with some adaptations) replaced Quercia’s original fountain due to degrading of the structure.
The Campo is so huge, the first time I visited I was overwhelmed. Taking in all the outside cafes and the interesting architecture of the various buildings I did not see immediately this beautiful fountain. Throngs of people surrounded the fountain, and it was not until I actually walked closer to it to find out why so many people were there, that I viewed and appreciated the Fountain of Joy as the masterpiece that it truly is.
Have you been to Siena? What was your first impression of the Campo? Did you throw a coin into the Fountain of Joy?
I’d like to hear your stories, so please take a moment and leave a comment.
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Grazie and ciao.
Katherine Smothers
One of our favorite piazzas. Climbing the tower afforded us a fantastic view of not only the piazza from above but a grand view of the Sienese countryside. Thanks for sharing the history of the fountain .. I learned something new today. Always a pleasure reading your posts. Ciao 🇮🇹🌏🌸
margieinitaly
Thank you so much Kathy… I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I never climbed that tower but it’s cool that you were able to do that. I climbed quite a few towers though when I was there, I must admit
Debra Kolkka
I love the Campo in Siena…time for another visit.
karenincalabria
My first impressions were – wow, enormous, beautiful! But it was many years ago so thanks for bringing it back.
margieinitaly
Same here Karen as far as the first impression goes
a mindful traveler
Ciao Margie. Gorgeous fontana. I still have not been to Siena though. Stopped in San Gimignano last trip. A beautiful spot. 🙂
margieinitaly
I love that medieval town too, Lorelle. It’s just another reason to go back to Italy and to go to Siena next time
a mindful traveler
Absolutely. Have a lovely weekend Margie. 😊
Travel Gourmet
I went to Siena for the first time last year after years of wanting to go and it was everything I’d hoped for … almost like going back in time; it’s so beautiful. Like you I didn’t immediately see the fountain in the campo but was awed and fascinated when I did. Thank you for all the great information about it.
lorapat
Margie, we were in Sienna a number of years ago. Our most lasting memory was inadvertently driving on the narrow streets…where we were not supposed to be! We honestly thought we would not be able to turn around and get out, or maybe worse, have the police haul us to jail. What a beautiful spot, never-the less.
margieinitaly
Grazie Lois! Some of my fondest memories from Italy are of being in places by accident !!
imarancher
A wonderful trip through the history of the Fountain of Joy. It is amazing to me how many terrific statues grace so many of the plazas in Italy!
margieinitaly
Yes Bonnie. Italy has a statue or monument around every corner it seems
dollygoolsby
Siena is one of my favorite Tuscan hill towns. The Campo is the center of action, where one can sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch as well as admire the buildings around the Campo. I love watching the pigeons drinking from the mouths of the sculptures in the Fountain of Joy. I have also had the privilege of being in Siena for one of the trial races the day before a Palio. That was such an exciting experience. It was a dress rehearsal for the race, so all the dignitaries were in their Renaissance finery. I would love to go back to Siena. And I will, I know.
Ciao for now, Dolly
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margieinitaly
Thank you Dolly. Experiencing the Palio atmosphere would be amazing. Thank you for sharing
Greg Speck
Such a beautiful location. Climbing the tower gave me an amazing view of the fountain and the campo. Siena was a part of a 10 day bike tour of Toscana I did this October. Being in Siena was one of the highlights. Thank you for the historical information.
margieinitaly
Wow Greg… You are adventurous to cycle through the the hills of Tuscany vim sure you were rewarded with fantastic views. Grazie for sharing your perspective