Discover the charm of the Greek traditional stone fountains

These amazing stone fountains survive in many places in Greece, as picturesque and nostalgic reminders of a simpler time.

Stone fountains have a long history in Greece. Ancient civilizations built stone basins to capture and hold precious drinking water and the ancient Greeks were the first to use aqueducts and gravity-powered fountains to distribute water.

According to ancient historians, fountains existed in Athens, Corinth and many other places in Greece in the 6th century BC as the terminating points of aqueducts which brought water from springs and rivers into the cities.

The impressive main fountain of Athens, called Enneacrounos was located in the Agora, or main square, and it had nine large cannons, or spouts, which supplied drinking water to the residents. This amazing fountain was built in the 6th century BC by the Athenian ruler Peisistratos and its exact location hasn’t been verified yet by the archaeologists.

Throughout the Greek history, stone fountains have been the center of village life, the place where the locals gathered to get precious water and discuss their day.

And although modern plumbing has reduced their practical value, these amazing stone fountains survive in many places in Greece, as picturesque and nostalgic reminders of a simpler time.

These are some of the most beautiful traditional stone fountains in Greece

Potidania, Fokida

potidania

Vourgareli, Arta

voulgareli

Solos, Ahaia

solos

Rethimno, Crete

rethumno

Iraklio, Crete

iraklio

Nimfeo, Florina

nimfeo

 

Pades, Ioannina

pades ioa