De Ferrari Fountain – one of Genoa’s symbols and meeting points

History and description

Inaugurated in 1936, designed by architect Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni, the De Ferrari Fountain—named after Luigi Raffaele De Ferrari—was built on the site of the tram carousel created in 1906. The structure consists of a large central bronze basin with an inscription, placed within a polygonal pool decorated with a series of grotesque masks. Around it are travertine “hedge‑like” basins with water features, while above, a system of LEDs and projectors provides illumination during special occasions. Welcomed enthusiastically by Genoese citizens—many of whom threw coins into it as a good‑luck gesture, later donated to charity—the fountain underwent several restorations between the 1990s and 2000s, including the addition of a larger outer basin.

Curiosities

The inner bronze basin was donated by Carlo Piaggio, son of banker and shipowner Erasmo Piaggio, fulfilling his father’s wish to leave the city a lasting gift. Due to the difficulty of transporting such a heavy piece, it was installed in Piazza De Ferrari only after a series of careful steps.

Access

As it is located in a public square, the fountain is freely accessible every day at all times.

How to reach it

Situated in the central Piazza De Ferrari, the fountain can be reached by car (considering the restricted traffic zone and nearby parking), by metro (De Ferrari stop), by bus or Volabus, and on foot.

Representing the heart of modern Genoa, the De Ferrari Fountain is a famous photo spot and meeting place, as well as the perfect starting point for exploring the UNESCO‑listed historic center of the city.

Photo credits: Carlo grifone (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0