The "Fountain of the Madmen" sits in the small Largo del Bargello below the Palazzo del Bargello, halfway up the old town. It is a simple octagonal basin from the 16th century, completely unremarkable in itself — but it is the focus of one of Gubbio's most cherished daft traditions. A patente di matto certificate is even sold by the tourist office for those who go through with the ritual.
Fontana dei Matti
Fountain where you can become an honorary madman of Gubbio
A story
Tradition has it that anyone who walks three times around the fountain while being doused with its water by a true Eugubino — a native of Gubbio — earns the right to be called a *matto*, a madman. The locals offer the title with affection: Eugubini are proud of being thought mad by their neighbours.