The Elephant Fountain is the iconic symbol of Catania. Designed by architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini between 1735-1737, it features a black basalt elephant statue carrying an Egyptian obelisk on its back. The elephant is locally called 'u Liotru'.
Free
Early morning for photography without crowds, or evening when the square is beautifully lit.
faq.subtitle Elephant Fountain
'U Liotru' is a mispronunciation of Heliodorus, a nobleman from Catania who allegedly tried unsuccessfully to become bishop according to local legends.
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