One of the most beautiful sights you can see in a city when visiting is its ornate, or powerful, water fountains. To this day water fountains still inspire us with their beauty and power. To single any out makes one feel guilty, but if you can only see a handful, you should have a guide. So here are eight of the most inspiring water fountains in the world.
1. The Fountain of Wealth (Singapore)
The largest fountain in the world is The Fountain of Wealth located in Singapore. A fitting name for a fountain located in this bustling metropolis. The bronze ring making up the center of the fountain is based on the Hindu Mandala and the inward flow of water in the fountain represents riches pouring in according to feng shui scholars. It is said good fortune and wealth will come to those walking around the fountain three times while touching the water.
2. The Burj Khalifa Fountain (Dubai, UAE)
Located on the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake in Dubai, this fountain is one of the most spectacular sights to see in a city full of amazing sights. Its water jets can shoot up to 152.4 meters (500 feet) in the air. Visitors can also experience daily light and music shows around the fountain. The fountain was designed by WET Design, the U.S designers behind the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3. The Archibald Fountain (Sydney, Australia)
Found in Sydney’s Hyde Park, The Archibald Fountain memorializes Australia and France’s unity during World War One. The design of the fountain is a mixture of Greek and Roman influences that features the god Apollo encircled by other mythical beings that spray water to the delight of park visitors.
4. Jet d’Eau (Geneva, Switzerland)
One of Geneva’s most famous landmarks, the Jet d’Eau is located at the juncture where Lake Geneva meets the Rhone River. A version of the Jet d’Eau has been in operation since 1886. Its original purpose was as a safety release for a hydroelectric power grid. Today it has one of the tallest fountain sprays in the world, reaching 140 meters (460 feet).
5. The Buckingham Fountain (Chicago, United States)
Unveiled in 1927, Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain is still one of the world’s largest fountains in physical size. Like clockwork, every hour for 20 minutes onlookers are treated to a fantastic water show from the fountain. For those visiting Chicago at night make sure to stop by the fountain because the waterworks are accompanied by lights and music.
6. The Nations Friendship Fountain (Moscow, Russia)
Built during the Soviet era in Moscow, The Nations Friendship Fountain is decorated with 16 gold-plated statues representing former republics of the USSR. The fountain sits within the larger All-Russian Exhibition Center. Should you be in Moscow, make a point to visit the center and the fountain.
7. Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (Seoul, Korea)
This amazing site is the longest bridge fountain in the world at a length of over 1,000 meters. The Banpo Bridge fountain was designed to be environmentally friendly since the 190 tons of water it pumps per minute comes from, and returns to, the river the bridge spans. A night-time visit is a must for visitors to Seoul because of the lights the fountain contains. This is where you will see how the bridge gets its name.
8. The Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy)
A city famous for its multitude of classic water fountains, there was no way Rome wasn’t going to be on this list. Leading the pack is the classically beautiful Trevi fountain. Sitting on the end point of one of Rome’s famous aqueducts the fountain was built in the 1700s and is a must-see destination in the City of Seven Hills. Remember to toss a coin into it the fountain when visiting. Legend says you will return to Rome in the future because of that coin toss.
