The inscription, Fountain of 99 Spouts in L'Aquila

The inscription is located in a panel at the top of the central wall of the fountain, and was placed in 1272, on completion of the monument. At the very top is a decoration, with a circle in the center where a small "templar" cross is placed. Below this, there is an eagle, symbol of the town, and at top of the frame which contains the inscription 3 lilies (the symbol of Lucchesino from Florence), below them 3 samnite shields, of which the central blank, the side shields with 3 identical diagonal bands.

See an image of the of Inscription

A Latin inscription with an eagle at the top is engraved in an ancient stone on the front wall of the fountain. The inscription says:

Urbs nova, fonte novo, veteri quoque flumine, gaudet
Hoc opus egregium qui cernit ad omnia laudet.
Non mireris opus; operis mirare patronos
Quos labor et probitas Aquilae facit esse colonos.
Gente Florentinus Aaleta probus Luchisinus
Fontis opus clari fecit edificari:
Regius hic Rector Aquila dotavit honore
Haec nimis accrevit eius faciente favore.
A.D. M.CC.LXXII
Magister Tancredus de Pentoma de Valva fecit hoc opus

English translation:
"A new town rejoices for the new fountain, and for the ancient river
Those who see this excellent work praise for everything.
Do not admire the work; admire the builders
who became inhabitants of L'Aquila for their work and honesty.
Honest Luchesinus, Florentine of the people of Aleta
ordered to build the work of this noble fountain.
The royal governor gave L'Aquila the honour
This much grew thanks to his favourable attitude
In the year 1272
Master Tancredus from Pentoma de Valva made this work."

Special features of the Fountain

The 93 stone faces, left to right

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93

ItalyHeritage on Facebook

Visit Italy

Landmarks Divided by Region

Italian Genealogy

Family History

Need help in your research?
Contact us with details and priorities.

Cultural Heritage

Info on Italian Regions