Fontana del Commercio is one of the most distinctive monuments in the historic center of Pizzo, Calabria. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s main square, the fountain has been an important part of the urban landscape since the nineteenth century. The fountain is closely connected to the historical development of Piazza della Repubblica, formerly known as Piazza Umberto I. Although smaller than some of Pizzo’s better-known landmarks, it represents an important chapter in the town’s civic history. Today, Fontana del Commercio remains one of the most recognizable monuments in central Pizzo. It is admired both for its historical significance and for the artistic details that characterize its granite structure. Powered by GetYourGuide Short History of Fontana del Commercio The origins of Fontana del Commercio date back to the middle of the nineteenth century, a period of significant political and social transformation throughout southern Italy. The official project received approval on 16 June 1857 during the administration of Mayor Emanuele Alcalà. Although the proposal was accepted, financial limitations prevented the municipality from beginning construction immediately. The lack of available funds forced the project to remain on hold for several years. Such delays were common during the nineteenth century, Read more [...]
All Fountains & Wells in Pizzo
Pizzo fountains are part of the historic center’s urban heritage, especially around the old streets and public spaces near Piazza della Repubblica. The most notable examples are Fontana Garibaldi, also called the old fountain, and Fontana del Commercio, both connected to 19th-century Pizzo.
Among Pizzo fountains, Fontana Garibaldi dates from 1866 and is known for its iron-rich water, while Fontana del Commercio dates from 1864. Both are stone fountains built with granite reused from the base of a destroyed Bourbon equestrian monument.
Fontana Garibaldi
Fontana Garibaldi is one of the oldest public fountains in Pizzo. Located in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, the fountain dates back to at least the 15th century and is historically connected with the old water supply system of the town. Before 1866, the fountain was known as Fontanavecchia (Old Fountain). The current name, Fontana Garibaldi, appeared after restoration works carried out during the second half of the 19th century. For centuries, local residents associated the fountain with medicinal mineral water. Historical sources describe the water as rich in iron, with a characteristic reddish color and a metallic taste. Even today, many visitors stop at the fountain to observe the mineral deposits left by the flowing water. Powered by GetYourGuide Short History of Fontana Garibaldi Origins of the Fountain Historical evidence confirms the existence of Fontanavecchia before 1571. In that year, the Calabrian historian Gabriele Barrio mentioned the fountain in his work about the antiquities and settlements of Calabria. The fountain probably dates back to the 15th century, when public fountains represented essential infrastructure for towns in southern Italy. In Pizzo, springs and fountains supplied drinking water to residents long before the arrival of modern aqueduct systems. The historic importance Read more [...]

