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Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik

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Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik (Croatia)

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The Large Onofrio's Fountain is one of the most famous landmarks in Dubrovnik, located just inside the Old Town entrance behind the Pile Gate. Built in 1438 by the Neapolitan architect Onofrio della Cava, the fountain served as the terminus of a complex twelve-kilometer aqueduct system. This technical masterpiece secured the city's water supply from the springs at Šumet and was considered an extraordinary engineering feat for its time. The structure features a distinctive 16-sided polygonal shape and is adorned with 16 artistically carved masks (maskeroni) from which water flows. Although the fountain was heavily damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1667 and lost much of its original elaborate sculptural decoration, its monumental structure was preserved. Today, the fountain is a popular meeting point for tourists and still provides fresh drinking water to visitors. It stands as a symbol of the advanced urban infrastructure and public health awareness of the Republic of Ragusa in the 15th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012141823252622181511
Rain mm1431421239175583538103123161159

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Large Onofrio’s Fountain in Dubrovnik is a public monument on the Stradun promenade. It is freely accessible at all times and a popular meeting point.
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Typical hours
As an open monument, there are no opening hours. The fountain is accessible 24/7, though less lit at night.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time, even with selfie sticks. For professional shoots with large equipment, a permit from the city of Dubrovnik is recommended.
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Time needed
A brief stop at the fountain takes about 5-10 minutes to examine the gargoyles and relief details. Combined with a stroll along Stradun, allow 20 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the fountain visit with exploring the main Stradun street. The nearby Franciscan Monastery and Dubrovnik Cathedral are also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The fountain is located right on Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It is easily reachable on foot from Pile Gate or the harbour.
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Insider tip
Fill your water bottle at the fountain - the water is drinkable and refreshing. Come early in the morning when crowds are still small.

Geography

Coordinates
42.64250, 18.10920

Facts

  • The fountain was completed in 1438 by the architect Onofrio della Cava.
  • It was the endpoint of a 12-kilometer aqueduct system from the Šumet springs.
  • The structure has 16 sides and features 16 relief masks known as 'maskeroni'.
  • The catastrophic earthquake of 1667 destroyed the upper decorations of the fountain.
  • Originally, the fountain's dome was adorned with many late Gothic sculptures.
  • The water from the fountain has been potable since the 15th century and still flows today.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Large Onofrio's FountainLarge Onofrio's Fountain<1 km · SWExplore →
📍Bosanka1 km · EExplore →
LokrumLokrum2 km · SEExplore →
📍Prijevor3 km · NExplore →
📍Sustjepan3 km · NExplore →
📍Knežica4 km · NEExplore →
📍Gornji Brgat4 km · EExplore →
📍Lozica5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik (10)

Western Outer Wall (entrance)🏛 museum

Entrance and ticket booth to the western outer wall of Dubrovnik's city walls.

🕒 8:00-19:30💶

Sigurata

Church in Dubrovnik located in the old town.

Game Of Thrones filming Set

Filming location for the Game of Thrones series in Dubrovnik.

Tower Minčeta🗼 tower

Fortress in Dubrovnik, part of the city walls, with a walkway.

Buža Gate

Gate in Dubrovnik's city walls leading to the sea.

War Photo Limited🏛 museum

Museum in Dubrovnik featuring exhibitions on war photography.

Sv. Jakov

Viewpoint in Dubrovnik overlooking the old town and the sea.

Jewish Museum of Dubrovnik🏛 museum

Museum in Dubrovnik about the history of the Jewish community.

St Francis Church

Church building in Dubrovnik dedicated to Saint Francis.

St. Saviour Church

Church in Dubrovnik built in the 16th century, with a baroque altar.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the water from the fountain drinkable?
Yes, the water is clean, drinkable, and a popular spot for refreshment in the Old Town.
When was the fountain built?
It was built in 1438 by the Neapolitan architect Onofrio della Cava.
Where exactly is the fountain located?
It stands by the Pile Gate, right at the entrance to the main street, Stradun.
Is there a fee to visit?
No, the fountain is a public monument and can be visited for free at any time.
What are the maskeroni figures on the fountain?
These are 16 carved faces (masks) from whose mouths the water flows.
Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik: where is it located?
Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik is located in Croatia.
Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik: what is there to see?
Highlights include Western Outer Wall (entrance), Sigurata, Game Of Thrones filming Set.
Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Large Onofrio's Fountain Dubrovnik: why is it worth visiting?
The Large Onofrio's Fountain is one of the most famous landmarks in Dubrovnik, located just inside the Old Town entrance behind the Pile Gate.
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