Fontana dei Dodici Mesi
A stunning 19th-century fountain in Valentino Park, Turin, featuring 12 month statues and a magical rainbow effect.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the magical rainbow effect
Fontana dei Dodici Mesi
Best Time
For the magical rainbow effect
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 19th-century fountain in Valentino Park, Turin, featuring 12 month statues and a magical rainbow effect.
"The fountain is not only a significant piece of history but also a breathtaking example of artistic achievement."
🎯 Catch the Mini Rainbow!
Position yourself on the top platform in the late afternoon with the sun behind you for a spectacular rainbow in the mist.
🚶♀️ Explore Valentino Park
The fountain is a highlight within the larger Valentino Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Twelve Months Statues
Main fountain structure
Graceful female figures embodying each month, a testament to allegorical artistry.
Allegorical River Statues
Base of the fountain
Four powerful statues representing Turin's major rivers: Po, Dora, Sangone, and Stura.
The Evening Rainbow Phenomenon
Top platform overlooking the pool
A breathtaking mini-rainbow appears in the water spray when the sun is positioned just right.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Rainbows
Valentino Park's Lasting Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Mini Rainbow!
Position yourself on the top platform in the late afternoon with the sun behind you for a spectacular rainbow in the mist.
🚶♀️ Explore Valentino Park
The fountain is a highlight within the larger Valentino Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
☀️ Summer Cool Down
Enjoy the refreshing mist from the fountain during warmer months for a pleasant experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Mini Rainbow!
Position yourself on the top platform in the late afternoon with the sun behind you for a spectacular rainbow in the mist.
🚶♀️ Explore Valentino Park
The fountain is a highlight within the larger Valentino Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
☀️ Summer Cool Down
Enjoy the refreshing mist from the fountain during warmer months for a pleasant experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fontana dei Dodici Mesi for its stunning beauty, historical significance as the last remnant of the 1898 exhibition, and the unique allegorical statues. The magical rainbow phenomenon visible in the late afternoon is a frequently cited highlight, adding an unforgettable element to the experience. While generally well-loved, some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak hours.
"The Fountain of the Months (Fontana dei 12 Mesi) in Turin is a stunning landmark from the Italian General Exhibition of 1898, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Albertine Statute. Designed by architect Carlo Ceppi, this beautiful fountain is the only permanent structure remaining from the event held in Valentino Park.
Constructed with modern concrete, the fountain elegantly blends traditional styles with innovative design. It features four groups of statues representing the rivers of Turin—Po, Dora, Sangone, and Stura—along with twelve graceful female figures symbolizing the months of the year. The Fountain of the Months is not only a significant piece of history but also a breathtaking example of artistic achievement, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Turin."
E Scott Parks
"If you visit this fountain towards the evening, make sure to look from the top platform taking the sun behind you, because there will be an amazing mini rainbow on the lake! The water drops create a very visible rainbow, and also a second slight one. I've never seen a rainbow so close. A very nice experience!"
Faruk Yazıcı
"Nice place. Good walk along the river and through the park."
Pla Ontour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fontana dei Dodici Mesi is located within Valentino Park in Turin. You can reach the park via public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also an option if you enjoy a scenic route along the Po river.
Parking in Valentino Park can be limited, especially during peak times. It's often easier to use public transportation or walk to the fountain. If driving, look for street parking or designated lots around the park's perimeter.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the fountain as Valentino Park has dedicated bike paths. You can rent a bike in the city or bring your own to enjoy the park's surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fontana dei Dodici Mesi is located in Valentino Park, which is a public space. Entry to the park and viewing the fountain is free of charge.
As the fountain is in a public park, it is accessible during park hours, which are generally from dawn until dusk. There are no specific closing times for the fountain itself.
Valentino Park has paved paths, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The area around the fountain should also be navigable, though some surfaces might be uneven.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, aim for late afternoon when the sun creates a beautiful golden hour glow. This is also when you have the best chance to capture the magical mini-rainbow.
Try shooting from the top platform to capture the entire fountain and the rainbow effect. Close-ups of the allegorical statues of the months and rivers also make for striking images.
Tripods are generally permitted in public parks, but it's always a good idea to check local regulations or be mindful of other visitors to avoid obstruction.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The fountain is famous for its intricate allegorical statues representing the twelve months and the rivers of Turin, as well as the unique mini-rainbow phenomenon visible in the late afternoon.
You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour admiring the fountain and taking photos. If you're exploring Valentino Park, you'll naturally spend more time in the area.
Being in Valentino Park, you'll find amenities like benches for resting, walking paths, and often nearby cafes or kiosks within the park for refreshments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to potentially catch the magical rainbow effect, which is sure to delight younger visitors. The park also has other attractions like playgrounds and the Borgo Medievale, making it easy to combine a visit to the fountain with other family-friendly activities. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out within the park.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grandeur of the entire fountain and the fine details of the sculptures. The surrounding Valentino Park also offers picturesque backdrops, including the Po River, which can complement your shots of the fountain. Be mindful of other visitors, especially during peak times, to ensure unobstructed compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Symbolism of Fontana dei Dodici Mesi
The fountain is rich in symbolism. It features four prominent groups of statues representing the major rivers of Turin: the Po, Dora, Sangone, and Stura. These are complemented by twelve allegorical female figures, each embodying one of the months of the year. This intricate design serves as a beautiful artistic representation of time and the natural elements that define the region, offering visitors a deeper connection to Turin's identity.
Beyond its historical and symbolic value, the fountain is also celebrated for its aesthetic appeal. Visitors often remark on its beauty and the artistic merit of the sculptures. It's a focal point within Valentino Park, drawing attention and admiration from locals and tourists alike, and contributing significantly to the park's charm.
Experiencing the Rainbow Phenomenon
To maximize your chances of seeing this optical illusion, timing is crucial. Visitors recommend visiting in the late afternoon, specifically when the sun is positioned behind you as you look towards the fountain. The angle of the sun hitting the fine water droplets creates a visible rainbow, sometimes even a double rainbow, appearing directly on the lake's surface. This creates an incredibly close and vivid rainbow experience, unlike any other.
This unique aspect makes an evening visit particularly rewarding. It transforms the fountain from a beautiful sculpture into a dynamic, almost ethereal display. Many visitors consider this rainbow sighting a highlight of their trip to Turin, emphasizing the importance of checking the sun's position and timing your visit accordingly for this unforgettable spectacle.
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