Onofrio's Fountain Tickets & Tours & Informataion January 2025

Onofrio's Fountain

Onofrio’s Fountain is one of Dubrovnik’s most famous landmarks, located near Pile Gate at the western end of Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. Built in 1438 by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, the fountain was part of a sophisticated water supply system that brought fresh water from a nearby spring, 12 kilometers away, to the city. The fountain originally featured a large domed structure adorned with detailed stone carvings, including 16 carved masks, or "mascheroni", from which water flows. Despite damage during the 1667 earthquake, the fountain remains functional and is a symbol of Dubrovnik’s advanced medieval infrastructure.

The Basics

The Large Onofrio’s Fountain consists of a 16-sided polygonal structure with a central dome and 16 spouts, each shaped like a unique human or animal face. There is also a Small Onofrio’s Fountain, located near the eastern end of Stradun, built as part of the same water system. Both fountains were crucial in providing water to Dubrovnik’s residents, especially during sieges. Today, visitors can drink the fresh, clean water from the fountain’s spouts, a welcome refreshment after a walk through the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

The fountain is free to visit and remains a popular meeting point for locals and tourists.

Drinking from the fountain is safe, and it’s considered good luck to take a sip of water during your visit.

The area around the fountain can get crowded, especially in the middle of the day, as it’s a starting point for many walking tours.

The Small Onofrio’s Fountain near St. Blaise’s Church is less elaborate but equally important in Dubrovnik’s history.

How to Get There

Onofrio’s Fountain is located just inside Pile Gate, making it one of the first landmarks visitors encounter when entering Dubrovnik’s Old Town. From Ploče Gate, it’s about a 10-minute walk along Stradun. The fountain is easy to find and is a popular spot for gathering before tours of the city walls.

When to Get There

The fountain can be visited at any time of day, but early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal for avoiding crowds. During summer, the fountain is a great place to cool off with a refreshing drink of water. At night, the area around the fountain is beautifully illuminated, making it a pleasant spot for an evening stroll.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

After visiting the fountain, start your exploration of Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street, leading to attractions like Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral. Climb the nearby city walls for a panoramic view of the Old Town or head toward Fort Lovrijenac, just outside Pile Gate, for a scenic walk along the coast. If you’re interested in Dubrovnik’s medieval water system, join a guided walking tour that explains the history of Onofrio’s Fountain and other landmarks. End your visit with a relaxing drink or meal at one of the nearby cafés on Stradun.