15 of the Most Beautiful Fountains Around the World

Fountains are more than just a pretty face. These artistic and engineering masterpieces put the lifeforce of water at the forefront – often telling wonderous tales of monsters, men, and gods. From ancient Roman marvels to modern technological wonders, these fountains captivate millions of visitors each year with their beauty and innovation.

Whether dancing to music, illuminated by colorful lights, or showcasing classical sculpture, each fountain tells its own unique story. Join us on a journey to discover the world’s most spectacular fountains, where water becomes art and engineering creates magic.

15. Oval Fountain In Villa D’este (Tivoli, Italy)

This Renaissance masterpiece anchors one of Italy’s most stunning gardens. Cascading water flows through multiple tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of aquatic architecture. The fountain’s oval basin reflects the surrounding greenery, while carved stone masks spout crystal-clear water.

Dating back to the 16th century, it represents the pinnacle of Italian garden design and hydraulic engineering of its time. It is simplistic, classic, and downright regal.

14. Keller Fountain (Portland, USA)

From ancient times to something much more recent, we head to Oregon. Portland’s modernist marvel resembles a natural waterfall in an urban setting.

Basically, imagine if Picasso became a landscape engineer. Designed by Lawrence Halprin, the fountain creates an interactive experience where water cascades over geometric concrete forms.

During summer, locals used to treat it like an urban beach, cooling off in its multiple pools while enjoying the sound of rushing water. Although this isn’t allowed anymore, simply being close to its soothing cascades is more than enough!

13. Fountain of Wealth (Singapore)

This unmistakable bronze ring structure symbolizes wealth and life and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records in ’98 as The Largest Fountain in the world. Although it doesn’t hold its title anymore, it is no less spectacular than it was when it was built 30 years ago. The fountain’s design incorporates feng shui principles, with water flowing inward representing wealth retention. Albeit not the most famous in the city, it also features a laser and music show every evening.

12. Prometheus Fountain (New York, USA)

Watch out, Zeus – Prometheus is stealing the show at Rockefeller Center! This bold bronze rebel glides above the fountain, eternally bringing fire to humanity in style.

The golden figure takes center stage year-round, but winter brings extra magic when skaters glide around the fountain on the iconic ice rink. Talk about a hot spot in the Big Apple – this fountain turns even the most jaded New Yorkers into slack-jawed tourists.

11. Jet d’Eau (Geneva, Switzerland)

Talk about making a splash! This powerful jet shoots water straight up into the sky like an aquatic exclamation point. What started as a humble safety valve now blasts 500 liters of water per second a whopping 140 meters high.

Be sure to check the wind direction before getting too close, unless you fancy an unexpected shower. This super-soaker has become Geneva’s favorite photo bomb, making a sly feature on practically every picture of the city’s skyline.

10. Montjuïc Fountain (Barcelona, Spain)

Barcelona knows how to throw a water party! This fountain has been dropping beats and throwing shapes since 1929, making it the OG of musical fountains. During summer evenings, the water dances better than most people on La Rambla, creating a rainbow-colored spectacular that would make any DJ jealous.

Sadly, due to recent droughts, the fountain has been empty for more than a year but locals remain hopeful that it hasn’t sung its siren song yet! Hopefully, you can soon pack a picnic and grab a front-row seat once more!

9. Forsyth Park Fountain (Savannah, USA)

This Southern belle brings Paris vibes to Georgia’s garden city. The cast-iron beauty serves looks year-round, but wait until St. Patrick’s Day when it goes full leprechaun with emerald green water! Weirdly, this fountain was ordered from a catalog!

I guess 150 years ago, catalogues looked quite a lot different than they do today. It is still a favorite gathering spot for locals and the focal point of the lush green garden park around it.

8. Banpo Bridge (Seoul, South Korea)

Seoul turned a regular bridge into the world’s longest water party! Here, 10,000 LED nozzles create a liquid rainbow art right over the Han River. When night falls, the bridge transforms into a light-and-water nightclub that would make Gangnam Style proud. The best part? This spectacular show happens while traffic cruises by below – talk about the ultimate rush-hour Entertainment!

7. Palm Fountain (Dubai, UAE)

The Palm Fountain proves that Dubai never does anything small. Spreading across 14,000 square meters of waterfront at The Pointe, this record-breaking fountain shoots water higher than a 20-story building.

The fountain’s powerful jets create mesmerizing patterns choreographed to an eclectic mix of Arabic and world music, while 3,000 LED lights paint the water in brilliant colors.

Visitors can watch the spectacle from dozens of waterfront restaurants, making dinner reservations more exciting than ever. The nightly shows turn the already impressive Palm Jumeirah into an even more spectacular destination.

6. Buckingham Fountain (Chicago, USA)

For 90 years, this Georgia pink marble masterpiece has ruled Chicago’s Grant Park. The fountain tells the story of Lake Michigan through four pairs of massive bronze sea horses, each representing a state bordering the great lake.

During its 20-minute shows, the central jet rockets water 150 feet toward the sky, while other jets create intricate water displays. At night, powerful LED lights transform the fountain into a kaleidoscope of colors dancing above the city’s front yard, while Lake Michigan provides a stunning backdrop. No wonder Chicagoans consider this their favorite summer hangout spot.

5. Swarovski Fountain (Innsbruck, Austria)

In the Austrian Alps, a massive green giant emerges from a hillside, marking the entrance to Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Water flows from its mouth into reflecting pools, creating an otherworldly scene that stops tourists in their tracks. The metallic face, designed by artist André Heller, serves as gatekeeper to a labyrinth of crystal art installations inside.

Beyond the fountain, crystal-studded chambers showcase innovative artists who transform simple glass into mind-bending masterpieces. The contrast between the rugged Alpine landscape and this glittering attraction makes it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the mountains.

4. Magic Water Circuit (Lima, Peru)

Lima said “hold my Pisco” and created not just one fountain, but 13 mind-blowing water features that’ll make your backyard sprinkler cry. The star of the show? A massive jet that shoots water higher than an eight-story building!

Want to get in on the action? Run through tunnel fountains, dodge water jets, and pretend you’re in the world’s fanciest water park. When the sun sets, the whole place turns into a technicolor wonderland that would almost puts Disney World to shame. The best part is, it’s way cheaper than a waterpark ticket!

3. Latona Fountain (Versailles, France)

At the heart of Versailles’ grand gardens, the Latona Fountain spins mythology into liquid art. The fountain depicts the fierce goddess Latona defending her children, Apollo and Diana, against peasants who dared to deny them water. Each tier tells part of the story, with the offending villagers slowly transforming into frogs as divine punishment.

Recently restored craftsmen brought the original golden figures and intricate sculptures back to life, while water tumbles down multiple levels of red marble. The fountain stands as a testament to both French artistry and the age-old warning: never mess with a protective mother – especially if she’s a goddess.

2. Fountains of Bellagio (Las Vegas, USA)

Vegas, baby! Over a thousand fountains team up to create the world’s most epic water dance party, proving that Sin City knows how to make even H2O look glamorous. These bad boys shoot water up to 460 feet high while grooving to everything from Sinatra to Lady Gaga.

The fountains have starred in more movies than most Hollywood actors and draw bigger crowds than a royal wedding. To experience its true majesty, grab a cocktail at a nearby terrace and watch the water work its magic against the desert sky.

1. Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy)

Is there any surprise that this Roman rockstar tops our list? Ocean himself rides his shell chariot through the chaos, while muscular Tritons try to control some seriously rowdy sea horses. Toss a coin over your shoulder (about €3,000 worth of wishes pile up daily), and supposedly you’ll return to Rome – though with views this gorgeous, who needs the extra motivation?

But this is where your patience will truly be tested. Tens of thousands of people visit the fountain each day so to get close to the edge to toss your coin, you will have to wait your turn. I’d say grab a gelato and wait it out, but police officers keep a close watch, turning people with food and drinks away to keep the area pristine. But, sticking out will pay off in the end. This fountain is truly as remarkable as La Dolce Vita made us believe!