The Fountain of Diana is one of Syracuse’s most iconic monuments and stands elegantly in the centre of Piazza Archimede, in the heart of the island of Ortigia. Created in 1907 by the sculptor Giulio Moschetti, this monumental work celebrates classical mythology and the deep connection between Syracuse, the sea and the ancient Greek gods.

The fountain is dedicated to Artemis, known to the Romans as Diana, depicted at the centre of the composition with a bow and a hunting dog, symbols that recall her role as goddess of the hunt and protector of Ortigia in ancient Greece. The figure of the goddess rises imposingly above the basin, becoming the focal point of the square.

At Diana’s feet unfolds the famous mythological scene linked to Arethusa and Alpheus. Arethusa is depicted in the act of transforming herself into a spring to escape the love of the god Alpheus, whilst the latter watches in amazement as his beloved nymph undergoes her metamorphosis. This myth is deeply linked to the history of Syracuse and to the famous Arethusa Spring in Ortigia.

At the base of the composition are four Tritons guiding sea horses and fantastical creatures emerging from the waves, creating a dynamic sculptural ensemble inspired by the marine world and classical tradition. The basin is adorned with decorative masks and coats of arms that evoke the monumental style of the early 20th century, harmoniously integrated into the square’s historical setting.

The fountain faces south and was once part of an even more spectacular urban layout. Old photographs show a twelve-pointed star-shaped paving pattern that highlighted the square’s monumental axis and the fountain’s correct orientation, elements that were subsequently altered during urban restoration works.

Today, the Fountain of Diana is one of the most photographed and beloved spots in Ortigia. Surrounded by historic buildings and the elegant atmosphere of Piazza Archimede, it continues to captivate visitors from all over the world, conveying through marble and water the mythological and Mediterranean soul of Syracuse.