Fountain of the Genius – a fascinating artwork in the heart of Palermo

History and description

Created in 1778 by Ignazio Marabitti, the fountain was included in 2009 in the Regional Register of Places of Identity and Memory of Sicily. It consists of a basin made of Billiemi stone, with at its center a Carrara marble sculpture of the Genius of Palermo. The figure is depicted wearing Roman armor, feeding a serpent, while holding a scepter and accompanied by an eagle, a dog, a cornucopia, and a Latin inscription.

Curiosities

The Genius of Palermo is today regarded as the secular symbol of the city, and over the years it has even been adopted by a local grassroots football team.

Access

Located inside Villa Giulia, the first public garden of Palermo, the fountain is freely accessible during the garden’s opening hours.

How to reach it

Situated next to the Botanical Garden of Palermo, the monument can be reached by car, bus, or tram, and finally on foot from the historic center.

An identity symbol of the city of Palermo, the Fountain of the Genius is a captivating work of art waiting to be discovered.

Photo credits: Giuseppe ME (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0