Onofrio's Fountain Tours

Constructed in the 15th century by architect Onofrio della Cava, the circular Onofrio’s Fountain in Dubrovnik’s Old Town was designed as the end point of the city's 7-mile (12-kilometer) aqueduct system. Today, it serves as a landmark and resting place in the city center. Nearby is a smaller fountain designed by the same architect.

The Basics
Onofrio’s Fountain was originally decorated with more ornate sculptures, but they were damaged in a 1667 earthquake. The 16 taps that currently spout out water maintain their elaborately carved shapes. The fountain served as a main water source for Dubrovnik locals until the 19th century and is drinkable even today.

Visit Onofrio's Fountain on your own or with a private or small-group walking tours. Such tours often also visit other notable places around Dubrovnik’s Old Town, including Sponza Palace, Cathedral of the Assumption, the city walls, Fort Revelin, and more.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Feel free to take a sip of the water that comes out of the fountains or fill up your water bottle.
• Wear comfortable shoes to explore Onofrio’s Fountain and other nearby Old Town highlights.
• Onofrio’s Fountain in Dubrovnik is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.

How to Get There
Onofrio’s fountain is located at the end of Stradun, the long pedestrian boulevard in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Like the rest of the Old Town, it is only accessible by foot, although it is possible to arrive at Old Town via taxi. Choose a tour that includes transportation to the Old City for the most convenience.

When to Get There
Onofrio’s Fountain is in a public square that can be visited at all hours. To miss the crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening, before or after day-trip visitors. The area around Onofrio’s Fountain gets busy midday.

Water in Dubrovnik
Given its long hot, dry summer, Dubrovnik struggled to get fresh drinking water to its citizens year-round. In 1438 architect Onofrio della Cava came up with a solution: an aqueduct system to transport water from the Ombla River from the town of Sumet. The end point was this fountain in the center of Dubrovnik. His system was so successful that it continues to work today.