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Large Onofrio's Fountain
The Large Onofrio's Fountain is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks and a significant 15th-century engineering monument. Built in 1438 by the Neapolitan architect Onofrio della Cava, it served as the terminus for a 12-kilometer aqueduct system that brought fresh spring water to the city for the first time. The monumental fountain features a circular design with 16 intricately carved stone masks, known as 'maskeroni', from which the water flows. Originally, the structure was more elaborately decorated with sculptures and a grander dome, but these features were heavily damaged in the catastrophic earthquake of 1667. Despite the changes, the core structure survived and remains a favorite gathering spot at the entrance to the Stradun, right across from the Church of the Holy Savior. The fountain stands as a testament to the sophistication of the Republic of Ragusa, which implemented a public water supply system long before many other European cities.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: St Francis Church · St. Saviour Church · Franciscan Church and Monastery Museum
- Nearby: Gornje Obuljeno (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 143 | 142 | 123 | 91 | 75 | 58 | 35 | 38 | 103 | 123 | 161 | 159 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Constructed in 1438 by Onofrio della Cava from Naples.
- Connected to a 12-kilometer long aqueduct bringing water from the Šumet spring.
- Features 16 distinct stone masks (maskeroni) that serve as water spouts.
- Much of its original elaborate ornamentation was lost in the earthquake of 1667.
- Located at the western end of the Stradun, opposite the St. Saviour Church.
- The water from the fountain is still potable and safe for visitors to drink.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Large Onofrio's Fountain (10)
Pile Gate
City gate in Dubrovnik, main entrance to the Old Town, built in the 16th century.
Dom Marina Držića🏛 museum
Museum in Dubrovnik dedicated to Croatian playwright Marin Držić.
Domino
Church building in Dubrovnik, now used for cultural events.
War Photo Limited🏛 museum
Museum in Dubrovnik exhibiting 20th-century war photography.
Bokar🗼 tower
Round fortress in Dubrovnik, part of the city walls, built in the 15th century.
Tower Minčeta🗼 tower
Tall fortress in Dubrovnik, a prominent point on the city walls, built in the 15th century.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the water from Onofrio's Fountain drinkable?
Where is the fountain located?
Who built the fountain?
Why does the fountain have 16 maskeronas?
Was the fountain damaged in the earthquake?
Large Onofrio's Fountain: where is it located?
Large Onofrio's Fountain: what is there to see?
Large Onofrio's Fountain: when is the best time to visit?
Large Onofrio's Fountain: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
