This coin pays tribute to the magnificent Fontana Pretoria, one of the most celebrated monumental fountains of Italy, and forms part of the prestigious “Fontane d’Italia” (Fountains of Italy) numismatic series.
Located in the historic center of Palermo, Sicily, the Fontana Pretoria was created in the 16th century by the Florentine sculptor Francesco Camilliani. The fountain is renowned for its grand circular composition, elegant marble basins, and an impressive sculptural program featuring mythological figures, river gods, nymphs, and allegorical statues arranged across multiple tiers.
Due to the bold nudity of many of its statues, the fountain earned the popular nickname “Fountain of Shame.” Despite the nickname, it remains one of the most admired Renaissance fountains in Italy, reflecting the artistic ideals of classical beauty, harmony, and movement.
Today, Fontana Pretoria stands as one of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks, and its timeless artistic beauty makes it a fitting subject for this refined numismatic issue.
