Large Fountain of Onofrio

The Large Fountain of Onofrio, or Velika Onofrijeva fontana, is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognizable landmarks, greeting visitors just inside the city’s Pile Gate. Built between 1438 and 1440 by the Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, the fountain was a key part of an ambitious water-supply system that brought fresh water from a spring nearly 12 kilometers away in Šumet. This feat of 15th-century engineering used gravity to transport water over a height difference of more than 100 meters, ensuring the city’s residents had access to clean water even during dry spells.

The fountain itself is a striking sixteen-sided structure topped with a domed cupola. While originally adorned with elaborate sculptures, much of its decoration was lost in the devastating earthquake of 1667. Today, sixteen unique stone-carved masks remain, each with a faucet that still dispenses cool, drinkable water—a welcome refreshment for travelers exploring the Old Town.

The Large Onofrio Fountain is not only a practical monument but also a symbol of Dubrovnik’s ingenuity and resilience. It serves as a popular meeting point and a starting place for walking tours of the city’s historic core. Visitors often pause here to admire the craftsmanship, fill their water bottles, and reflect on the centuries of history that have shaped Dubrovnik’s urban landscape.