Rosello Fountain – the most famous in Sardinia

History and description

Built between 1603 and 1606 by Genoese masters, the fountain stands on the ancient Roman spring of Gurusellu. It was destroyed during the anti‑feudal uprisings of 1795 and later restored with new sculptures, while the originals were preserved in the Ducal Palace. Chosen by the Italian postal service as the most famous ornamental fountain in Sardinia, the work is composed of two superimposed rectangular marble blocks. It features twelve spouts in the shape of lions and dolphins, four statues representing the seasons, and, at the top, battlemented turrets symbolizing the city and Aragonese coats of arms, surrounded by the statue of Sassari’s patron saint and a river deity.

Curiosities

Historically used by housewives and water carriers for their daily work, the fountain symbolically represents the passage of time, as suggested by the figures and motifs carved upon it.

Access

Open from Tuesday to Saturday during fixed hours, the fountain is freely accessible.

How to reach it

Located on Corso Trinità, the monument can be reached on foot by continuing along the Ponte Rosello.

A late‑Renaissance symbol of the city, the Rosello Fountain is one of the most beautiful works of art to admire in Sardinia.

Photo credits: AlPanich (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0