There’s something about a water fountain that just fascinates me, from the first time I saw the Swann Fountain in Philadelphia to the jumping water fountain at Epcot as a child, I love them all.  How they do what they do is pure science, what we see is pure magic, how they make us feel is pure wonder. The immense creativity, artistic sculptures, feats of engineering and design are astounding.    This week’s #FriFotos theme of fountains is fantastic as I get to show you some of my favorite water fountains around the world from the past few years of travel.

Philadelphia – The Swann Fountain

A tradition in Philadelphia at the end of the school year is for the local Catholic girls high school to jump into the Swann fountain in their uniforms.  Now I’m not usually a fan of swimming in the fountains, but this tradition made me wish I went to that school each year.  For the rest of the year, the fountain sits in the middle of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway midway between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall, across from the Four Seasons.  It is a large, impressive display given as a gift in 1924 from a wife in memory of her husband.

 

 

Lima, Peru – The Magic Water Circuit

All I knew was that there was a water fountain park that I should see.  As my flight left after midnight, visiting the park was the last thing I would do on my South America trip – wow, what a good surprise.  This is clearly a modern water fountain park attraction with computers, colored lights, music and interactive features. It was a nice change from the ancient ruins I had seen earlier in the day.  While I took a guided tour, the park is easy to visit and great fun. For more photos visit The Magic Water Circuit post.

 

St. Petersburg, Russia – Fountains at Peterhof

Unbelievable is all I could think, I was otherwise speechless at Peterhof.  To think that this fountain park was completed so long ago was impressive.  The layout, design, interaction, beauty and scope are just incredible. The fountains seem to do things I would think you needed a computer to do.  Wandering the massive park there are fountains big and small, practical and fun, all wonderful in their own way.  Sadly, I didn’t have all day to explore and appreciate the fountains at Peterhof but hopefully I can return to enjoy.

Rome – The Trevi Fountain (a classic!)

It’s a bit of a winding journey from the street to find the Trevi fountain (or just follow that tourist or tour guide) but once you do, you will be impressed by it (try to erase the tourists taking selfies, etc. and pretend you have it all to yourself).  Do toss a coin over your left shoulder with your back facing the fountain to ensure you will return to Rome someday.  On my first visit I tossed a penny and it took me twenty years to return, on my last visit, I tossed a Euro hoping for a speedier return.

Where in the world is your favorite fountain?  Is it new or old?  What do you love best about it?