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Fountains have served as a symbol of elegance and atmosphere throughout history. This list features ten of the most awe-inspiring and captivating fountains found globally. Feel free to share your personal favorites in the comments section.
10. Banpo Bridge Han River, Seoul, South Korea
Stretching an impressive 1,140 meters (around 3,740 feet), the Banpo Bridge fountain holds the title of the world's longest fountain. Equipped with 380 nozzles that discharge 190 tons of water per minute, it is illuminated by 220 lights that create a stunning kaleidoscopic effect, earning it the name 'Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.'
9. The Fountain of Wealth in Suntec City, Singapore, is a striking symbol of fortune, inspired by Feng Shui principles. The fountain's base spans an impressive 16,831 square meters (around 55,219 square feet), and it rises to a height of about 30 meters (118 feet). Constructed from bronze and weighing roughly 85 tons, the fountain is perched above an underground restaurant where visitors can look up and admire its expansive, circular design.
At the Suntec City Mall, the Fountain of Wealth is designed to bring good fortune according to Feng Shui. Its base covers an area of 16,831 square meters (around 55,219 square feet) and rises about 30 meters (118 feet) into the sky. Made of bronze, the fountain weighs about 85 tons and is situated above an underground restaurant, offering visitors a unique view of the fountain's large circular ring.
8. Fontaine Des Innocents, situated in Paris, France, is a historical and picturesque fountain.
The Fontaine Des Innocents, named after the cemetery site it was built upon, was designed by the Renaissance architect Pierre Lescot and sculpted by Jean Goujon. Originally located in the Cemetery des Innocents until 1788, the fountain was relocated and reached its current permanent position in 1858. Designed in the Mannerist style, which is characterized by tall and slender forms, the fountain is adorned with cherubic boys with wings, a common motif of the period.
7. King Fahd's Fountain, located off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a spectacular water feature.
King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is not only a landmark but also the tallest fountain in the world, reaching heights higher than the Eiffel Tower (without the antenna). The water streams at 233 mph and rises 1,024 feet into the air. To maintain its function, the fountain is carefully checked on a variety of schedules due to its saltwater environment and powerful water jets. It was donated by the late King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and is a key feature in Jeddah’s skyline.
6. Big Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain, located in Xi'an City, China, is a spectacular display of water and music.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda serves as the backdrop for what is claimed to be Asia's largest musical fountain, featuring the longest light bar. The fountain is equipped with 22 distinct water sprays that combine to create an expansive, folding waterscape. At times, flames can also be seen shooting from the fountain’s outlets, adding to the dramatic display.
5. Fontana di Trevi, located in Rome, Italy, is one of the most famous and impressive fountains in the world.
The Trevi Fountain is renowned as the largest baroque-style fountain. It sits at the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which dates back to 19 B.C. The fountain’s design is meant to evoke the many changing moods of the sea. Neptune stands at the center, flanked by tritons. Completed in 1762, the fountain reaches a height of 25.9 meters (approximately 83 feet) and spans 19.8 meters (around 65 feet) in width. The Trevi Fountain is featured in iconic films such as *Three Coins in the Fountain*, *Roman Holiday*, and *La Dolce Vita*. The water at the base symbolizes the sea, and according to legend, tossing a coin over your shoulder with your back to the fountain ensures a return to Rome.
4. Charybdis Fountain Seaham Hall, Sunderland, UK
The Charybdis Fountain is a stunning vortex fountain crafted by the water artist William Pye. Named after the siren Charybdis, who was punished by Zeus and transformed into a massive vortex that swallowed ships, this fountain is the largest of its kind. The fountain is housed in a clear polymer casing, with an air-core vortex that appears every 15 minutes, making the water seem as if it is floating on its own.
3. Mercury Fountain Barcelona, Spain
Created by Alexander Calder for the Spanish Republican government to commemorate the siege of Almaden, this sculpture was first showcased in Paris in 1937 during the World Exhibition. It was later relocated to Barcelona. Initially open to the public without knowledge of mercury's harmful effects, it was accessible to all. Today, it is displayed behind glass to prevent exposure to the toxic fumes or direct contact with the mercury.
2. Castle Square Fountain Swansea, Wales
There isn't much special about this fountain, except during St. David’s Day (the Welsh equivalent of St. Patrick’s Day), when the Castle Square Fountain and the waterfall are dyed a deep red. This transformation leads to the fountain being known as the 'blood fountain.' The water remains red from March 1st (St. David’s Day) to March 9th.
1. La Joute Fountain Montreal, Canada
La Joute fountain, created by artist Jean Paul Riopelle in 1969, is an impressive kinetic sculpture. The fountain is encircled by a pool and framed by a collection of bronze statues representing both humans and animals. Every 7 minutes, a ring of flames ignites around the pool, while jets of water rise over the statues, generating a dense mist. Gas is released through this mist, fueling the fire. The entire process lasts approximately 32 minutes.
