Piazza Pretoria

Piazza Pretoria is a central public square in Palermo, Sicily, best known for the ornate Fontana Pretoria, a mid-16th-century sculptural fountain that occupies the square’s centre. The fountain features numerous classical figures and was moved to Palermo in 1574, becoming a focal and controversial work in the city’s urban fabric.

The square is framed by civic buildings including the municipal palace and is closely linked on foot to other historic Palermo landmarks such as Quattro Canti and the cathedral. The fountain’s sculptures and the square’s setting make it one of Palermo’s most visited historic spaces.

Historically the fountain was produced by a Florentine sculptor and transported to Palermo in the late 16th century; its nudity prompted early modern commentary and it has remained a central artistic monument in the city. Piazza Pretoria sits in Palermo’s historic core and functions as a key node in the city’s tourist circuit.

• Fountain history: The fountain's 16th-century sculptures were moved to Palermo in 1574 from Florence and caused controversy at the time because of their nude figures.
• Location: The square sits in Palermo's historic centre and connects to nearby landmarks such as Quattro Canti and the cathedral within short walking distance.

What to See #

• Fontana Pretoria: The Fontana Pretoria, a large sculptural fountain of numerous classical statues occupying the centre of the square, created in the 16th century and installed in Palermo in 1574.
• Surrounding civic buildings: Surrounding civic buildings including the municipal palace and nearby churches that frame the square and its ceremonial uses.