Father-and-son architects Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, in…

Father-and-son architects Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, in designing the “Fontana Maggiore” completed in 1278 for the main square of Perugia, are the first to exploit the (now-familiar) decorative effect of water cascading from a central spout.

The fountain is part of program of civic improvements begun in 1278 to celebrate the autonomy of the free commune of Perugia.

On the twenty-five sides of the basin are sculptures representing prophets and saints, the labors of the months, the signs of the zodiac, scenes from Genesis, and events from Roman history.

The fountain’s relief figures reveal both classical and Gothic influences.