Fontana della Duchessa Elena d’Aosta

From which fantastical creature’s mouth do you think the water of the Fontana della Duchessa Elena d’Aosta flows? A tempting question, isn’t it? You might be surprised to discover that the Fontana della Duchessa Elena d’Aosta isn’t guarded by mythical beasts, but instead, by rather regal lion heads. This beautiful fountain, standing right beside the Basilica dell’Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio, has a story as charming as its design. The Fontana della Duchessa Elena d’Aosta was a gift, you see, a gift from a Duchess to the city of Naples. In 1939, Duchess Elena d’Aosta, wife of Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy-Aosta, commissioned this fountain as a symbol of her affection for the city. The design, a harmonious blend of arches, pillars, and those magnificent lion heads spouting water, was brought to life by architects Giovanni Mongiello and Amedeo Teotolato. But like any good tale, there’s a touch of melancholy to it. Today, the Fontana della Duchessa Elena d’Aosta stands as a silent reminder of a bygone era. The water no longer flows as freely as it once did, and the once-pristine structure bears the marks of time. Yet, its elegance remains undimmed, a testament to the enduring power of a Duchess’s love for Naples.