Photos: trolvag, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hein56didden, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo credits
Photos: trolvag, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hein56didden, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The fountain that scandalised a city
Your local guide
Salvatore Lo Cascio
View profile
Highlights
- A fountain nicknamed the Fountain of Shame
- Nude statues that scandalised the city
- Moved here from a Florentine villa
- A square rebuilt around one fountain
- Baroque sculpture, seen up close
About this tour
This session looks closely at Fontana Pretoria, a sixteenth-century fountain moved here from a Florentine villa and surrounded by nude statues that scandalised the city when it first went up. You see the tiers and figures up close, then the square that grew around it. Filming stays on the public square throughout.
I circle the fountain slowly, pausing on a few of the statues that draw the most questions, then pull back for a wider view of the square. I answer questions throughout and send a short note on the fountain's history afterwards.
It suits anyone interested in a good story alongside the architecture. It also works well right after a Quattro Canti session, since the two sit a short walk apart.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Palermo before heading out.
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The fountain's tiers 15 min
The camera circles the fountain's lower tiers, and I point out the nude statues that gave the square its nickname, the Fountain of Shame, when it first arrived from Florence.
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The square around it 15 min
Pulling back, you see the fountain framed by the city hall and a nearby church, and I explain how the whole square was rebuilt around a fountain originally meant for a private villa.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Palermo: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Pasta con le sarde and Albergheria, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Rome time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Palermo, showing you The fountain's tiers and The square around it live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need any background in art?
No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Palermo live with my phone.
Times shown in Rome time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Mon 26 Oct · 8 seats left From 21,00 €
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