The Large Onofrios Fountain

Not far from the old town’s entrance lies one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks, the Large Onofrio Fountain. In the 15th century, Dubrovnik was one of the busiest trading ports in the Meditarranean, boosting its local economy. However, the city had very limited access to clean drinking water. As the problem grew more serious, the city commissioned Neapolitan architect Onofrio della Cava to build this fountain in 1438. Connected to a 14-kilometre long aqueduct network, it successfully brought spring water from Mount Srđ into the city. The fountain features an Italian Renaissance-style, 16-sided polygon design. But its sheer scale is even more impressive… It used to be topped with a monumental dome, sadly, it was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake and never fully rebuilt. Today, the fountain is a popular meeting spot in the heart of Dubrovnik, and still a source of fresh water!