The Fontana Grande is the largest and oldest medieval fountain in Italy, standing at the intersection of Via Garibaldi and Via Cavour in the historic centre. Built in 1206 and enlarged in 1279, it has an octagonal basin with smaller lobed basins around a central column crowned with Gothic decoration. It was the main public water supply for medieval Viterbo and remains in working order.
Viterbo is known for its medieval fountains — there are several dozen scattered through the old town — and the Fontana Grande is the finest of them. The others worth seeking out include the Fontana di Piazza della Rocca near the Porta Fiorentina and the smaller Fontana di San Faustino in the quarter of the same name.
The fountain sits on a small square that is a natural meeting point; the surrounding streets have good cafes and a morning market.