Fonte Oliviera
Fonte Oliviera
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One of the many historical and artistic sites in Assisi.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
71 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
33
Average
22
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom8,258 contributions
May 2022
This is one of several fountains in the historic centre of Assisi. Don’t expect shooting jets of water or tumbling cascades. This was a practical fountain, not a decorative one.
Built in 1570, it was commissioned by the nobleman, Oliviero Ludovici, to supply fresh water for the townspeople. It also served the pilgrims who had travelled long distances to worship at the Basilica. Arriving dusty and weary, the fountain would have been a welcome sight as they walked the last stage of their trip towards the basilica.
What you see here today is a long, narrow limestone basin built into the wall of the Palazzo del Monte Frumentario. It looks more like a giant trough than a fountain.
Water runs from 4 metal spouts which are set into carved crests or coats of arms. We spotted a crest with a lion and a cross which belonged to Oliviero Ludovici’s family.
An intriguing sign is set into the wall above the fountain. It warns people not to wash their dirty clothes in the fountain. If caught, the sign warns, they will be fined and their clothes will be confiscated.
You can imagine that the conveniently located fountain would have been a handy spot for people to nip out and throw a load of laundry in the tub. Equally the thought of dirty underwear mixing around in everyone’s drinking water would have been an appalling idea.
It’s worth noting that, unlike many fountains in Rome where you are free to fill up your water bottles, you cannot drink the water here.
The day we were there, it wasn’t looking its best. The water was an unappealing shade of bright algae-green.
Built in 1570, it was commissioned by the nobleman, Oliviero Ludovici, to supply fresh water for the townspeople. It also served the pilgrims who had travelled long distances to worship at the Basilica. Arriving dusty and weary, the fountain would have been a welcome sight as they walked the last stage of their trip towards the basilica.
What you see here today is a long, narrow limestone basin built into the wall of the Palazzo del Monte Frumentario. It looks more like a giant trough than a fountain.
Water runs from 4 metal spouts which are set into carved crests or coats of arms. We spotted a crest with a lion and a cross which belonged to Oliviero Ludovici’s family.
An intriguing sign is set into the wall above the fountain. It warns people not to wash their dirty clothes in the fountain. If caught, the sign warns, they will be fined and their clothes will be confiscated.
You can imagine that the conveniently located fountain would have been a handy spot for people to nip out and throw a load of laundry in the tub. Equally the thought of dirty underwear mixing around in everyone’s drinking water would have been an appalling idea.
It’s worth noting that, unlike many fountains in Rome where you are free to fill up your water bottles, you cannot drink the water here.
The day we were there, it wasn’t looking its best. The water was an unappealing shade of bright algae-green.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA9,961 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This fountain constructed in 1570 and commissioned by Oliviero Ludovici to supply water to the local population. The basin is narrow, and fed from 4 spouts. The inscription warns of washing clothes in the fountain. It is located adjacent to Palazzo del Monte Frumentario.
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA13,096 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
One of several fountains, basins, along Via San Francesco. The noble Oliviero Ludovici commissioned this fountain in 1570 to supply water to the local people.
The inscription warns that anyone washing in the fountain risks a fine and the confiscation of the offending laundry.
It is next to Portico del Monte Frumentario
The inscription warns that anyone washing in the fountain risks a fine and the confiscation of the offending laundry.
It is next to Portico del Monte Frumentario
Written May 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA9,961 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
The fountain dates from the late 1500’s and carries a warning sign “that anyone washing in the fountain risks a fine and confiscation of the laundry”. It is still a functioning fountain but the water is NON POTABLE according to signage posted on the fountain.
Written April 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lolly’s Look
New York City, NY12,815 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
This beautiful fountain was an artistic functional water basin that was used by townspeople as a wash basin. It is still beautiful and still contains running water.
Written October 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pinkertonx
Hereford, UK1,595 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
we walked past this everyday and couldn't but help admire the beautiful edifice comprising fountain and water basins, dating from 1570. Just amazing!
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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