Top 10 Most Beautiful Fountains in the World

Top 10 Most Beautiful Fountains in the World

In a world filled with natural wonders and artistry, we have often overlooked the most beautiful thing our planet can offer us, Fountains. Water’s dance has the power to inspire and invoke peace. The soothing sounds of fountains have often been used to help people focus, relax, and sleep. Fountains have been used as decorative landmarks in many hotels, office spaces, and malls. It should be noted that fountains possess an allure that goes beyond pure utility.

From ancient Rome to modern-day cities, the sight and sound of flowing water have been used to appeal to the senses. Even while meditating, fountains have been used to symbolize life, purity, and refreshment. Over the years, I have found myself enjoying the simplicities that Earth offers including natural wonders such as fountains. In this article, I will explore 10 of the most beautiful fountains in the world.

1. Bellagio Fountain

Jbro1186, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is one of the most expensive fountains in the world. The fountain is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It cost a whopping $40 million to build, making it one of the most expensive fountains in the world. Bellagio Fountain spans over 1,000 feet and is located in front of the Bellagio Resort. It should be noted that the fountain shoots can reach up to 460 feet in the air which is almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower.

The Bellagio Fountain has been featured in films and TV shows including The Hangover, Ocean’s Eleven, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The fountain has become a popular tourist destination and is also one of the most photographed places in the United States.

2. Dubai Fountain

It is located in Downtown Dubai and stands at a length of 900 feet. The fountains shoot water that reaches a staggering 500 feet which makes it the tallest performing fountain globally. It sits on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. The water jets dance to a diverse range of music from classical and Arabic tunes offering a captivating experience.

The Dubai Fountain was also designed by WET Design, the same company that designed the Bellagio Fountain. It is a popular tourist destination in Dubai that attracts visitors from around the world. 

3. Fountain of Wealth

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It is located in Suntec City, Singapore. It is formerly known as the World’s Largest Fountain. It was once recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fountain in the world in 1998. It was designed according to feng shui principles. The fountain represents wealth and good fortune. It should be noted that during specific times, the fountain is turned off allowing visitors to walk around it three times for good luck. 

4. Fountain of Montjuic

It is located at the foot of Montjuic mountain in Barcelona, Spain. The Fountain of Montjuic is also known as the Magic Fountain. It was designed by Catalan architect Carles Buigas as a temporary attraction. The fountain features over 3,600 water jets that shoot water to varying heights with the highest reaching 50 meters. Fountain of Montjuic offers free light and music shows throughout the year. 

5. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

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It is located in Seoul, South Korea. It was recognized by the Guinness World Records for being the world’s largest bridge fountain. The fountain has over 10,000 LED nozzles that illuminate the water jets in a vibrant array of colors. It should be noted that the fountain draws water from the Han River below the bridge and continuously recycles it. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain was actually inspired by a rainbow and was meant to symbolize peace and harmony.

6. Buckingham Fountain

It is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. It was gifted to the city by Kate S. Buckingham as a memorial to her brother. The fountain was inspired by the Latona Basin at the Palace of Versailles in France. Buckingham Fountain was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, the fountain embodies the Beaux-Arts style. There are four sets of bronze seahorses that adorn the fountain which represent the four states bordering Lake Michigan. 

The fountain has hourly shows that last for 20 minutes featuring music, lighting, and synchronized water jets. At night, the shows are enhanced with colorful illuminations. Buckingham Fountain has been featured in films and TV shows such as The Amazing Race and Married…with Children.

7. Nations Friendship Fountain

Gennady Grachev from Moscow, Russia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is also known as the People’s Friendship Fountain. It is a symbol of unity and cultural exchange in Moscow, Russia. It is situated near the Russia Exhibition Centre. The fountain was constructed between 1954 and 1955 as a commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Soviet Union. Initially, it has 16 figures that represent the members of the republics of the USSR.

At the center stands a golden sheaf made of copper symbolizing prosperity and agriculture. The fountain is noted for embodying a neoclassical architectural style that is characterized by classical elements. The fountain is a popular tourist attraction and a recognizable symbol of Moscow.

8. Fontana del Pantheon

It is located at the Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy. It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575 in order to beautify the Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon. It was designed by the renowned architect Giacomo della Porta in a Renaissance style. The original sculptures adorning the fountain were crafted by Leonardo Sormani.

It should be noted that the fountain served as a model for their fountains including the Robba Fountain in Slovenia. Fontana del  Pantheon has been featured in paintings and postcards.

9. Paris France Versailles Fountains

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It is a collection of water features located in the Gardens of Versailles, Paris, France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are considered to be one of the most impressive and elaborated fountain systems in the world. The fountains were originally designed by Andre Le Notre, the landscape architect who also designed the gardens.

They were intended to impress and entertain the king and his court. Paris France Versailles Fountains featured hundreds of jets of water. The fountains of Versailles continue to be a popular tourist attraction.

10. Archibald Fountain

It is also known as the J. F. Archibald Memorials Fountain. It is a prominent landmark located in Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia. It was built in 1932 as a gift to the city from John Feltham Archibald, the founder of The Bulletin magazine.  It serves as a war memorial to honor the alliance between Australia and France. The fountain was designed by French sculptor Francois Sicard.  

It should be noted taht the fountain has been a popular meeting place and gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-20th century. Archibald Fountain is a beloved landmark in Sydney that offers a blend of history and art.

All in all, these fountains have been labeled as one of the many popular tourist destinations in the world. They offer tourists and locals alike an entertaining show that is often changed to make it more exciting.