Large Onofrio's Fountain, Dubrovnik

Having passed through the Pile Gate, you immediately arrive on Stradun Street, which runs through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Just to the right stands a rather sturdy-looking structure that might remind you of a stone drum wearing a small red cap. This sixteen-sided fountain, fitted with sixteen water taps, is known as Large Onofrio’s Fountain, the grand finale of Dubrovnik’s medieval water system.

The fountain dates back to 1438 and was designed by a Neapolitan architect with a very practical talent for plumbing—Onofrio di Giordano della Cava. This man was responsible not solely for the fountain itself, but also planned the city's entire water supply. His system carried fresh water about 7.5 miles from Knezica Spring straight into the Old Town. Along the way, Onofrio added two fountains: the big one you see near the Pile Gate, and a smaller one in Luža Square.

Take a closer look at the stone panels around the fountain. Each of the sixteen sides features a carved mask, called a maskeron, where water flows out. And up on the rim sits a small statue of a dog named Kuchak, which literally means “fountain dog.” The one you see here is a replica—the original was badly damaged during Dubrovnik’s enormous earthquake of 1667. Like many corners of the Old Town, the fountain has also enjoyed a little modern fame, appearing in scenes from the television series Game of Thrones.

For centuries, fountains like this were Dubrovnik’s main source of drinking water, serving residents up until the late 19th century. The taps still run today, and yes—the water is perfectly drinkable. This is one of the reasons this spot has long been a natural meeting place. Locals gather here, visitors refill their bottles, and travelers pause for a moment before continuing down Stradun into the heart of Dubrovnik.