The Best Water Features from Around the World

Nothing provides an outdoor focal point quite as well as a water feature. As part of a domestic garden design, there’s something about the sight and sound of cascading water that adds the perfect sense of serenity to a relaxing summer’s afternoon.

When it comes to public water features however, the sky is the limit, and certain fountains around the world have become tourist attractions in their own right. Some are calming and relaxing, while some are dramatic and unpredictable. Some are small and modest, while some are grand and awe-inspiring. Take a look at our pick of our favourite water features from around the world below.

Mannekin Pis
Brussels, Belgium

Possibly one of the smallest public water features in the world, the Mannekin Pis is also one of the most iconic (and you don’t need to be fluent in Dutch to translate its name). This small urinating boy can be found in Brussels City centre, where it dates back to the mid 15^th century. One of the most recognisable symbols of Belgium, the original statue is actually located in the Brussels City Museum, while the public fountain displays a 1965 replica, owing to the statues numerous thefts over the years. Located at the corner of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat, visitors are often surprised at just how small it is, but it’s easy to spot thanks to the ever-present crowd of visitors surrounding it.

Bellagio Fountain
Las Vegas, USA

One of the most recognisable fountains you can visit, the $40 million Bellagio fountain has appeared on screen countless times since its completion in 1998. Comprised of 1,214 water nozzles and 4,792 lights, this attraction offers shooting water set to music and lights, with the jets reaching as high as 460 feet. Located outside the Bellagio Hotel Casino, the show runs every 15 or 30 minutes depending at the time of day. There’s a range of choreographed musical arrangements to see, but the best is surely ‘Viva Las Vegas’ by Elvis.

Fountain of Apollo
Versailles, France

Located in the Palace of Versailles, about 12 miles outside of Paris, is the stunning Le Bassin d’Apollo. Taking its subject matter from Greek mythology, this impressive installation depicts the god Apollo, riding a chariot pulled by four horses. Commissioned by King Louis XIV, and finished in 1671, the artist Charles Le Brun opted for the design due to the King’s regular association with mythological archer. Interestingly, you can also discover a full-scale marble replica at the Chimei Museum Tainan, Taiwan. The reproduction was made by creating a plaster cast with laser measurements, which was then used as a reference to carve the finished marble. The whole replica took approximately six years to complete, which is twice as long as the original Versailles fountain.

Trevi Fountain
Rome, Italy

One of the most famous fountains in the world, this 18^th century feature stands at a whopping 26.3 meters tall, making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. Located at the point of an aqueduct which supplied water to the ancient city, the statue was finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini, who took over the project following the death of the original architect Nicola Salvi. The name is taken from the Latin word ‘trivium’, which translates to ‘the meeting of three ways’, owing to its place at the intersection of Via De’Crocicchi, Via Poli and Via Delle Muratte. Following a 2015 renovation, the fountain also houses 100 LED lights, so visitors can enjoy its mythological ocean figures into the night.

Here at Groby Landscapes we specialise in water feature installation. While a giant baroque fountain may not fit into your back garden, we can help you discover the perfect feature for you, with a choice of ponds, lakes, and cascading fountains to suit any budget. For more information, be sure to contact us today.

Featured: How Different Water Features Can Bring Your Garden To Life