Description
The Fountain of the Genius at Villa Giulia is the fountain topped by the statue of the Genius, the guardian spirit of Palermo, at the end of the avenue that leads from the seafront entrance toward the Botanical Garden. Together with the Dodecahedron clock, it is the most important sculpture in the park.
In the middle of a circular basin of Billiemi stone rises a rock, and on top of it stands the statue of the Genius in Carrara marble, 2.56 meters tall: a figure in Roman armor, holding the royal scepter, feeding a snake at his breast. Beside him is an eagle, the emblem of the city, and at his feet a dog, the symbol of loyalty.
Take a close look at the rock too: a cornucopia, a shield with the Trinacria of Sicily and the plaque Prima Sedes, Corona Regis et Regni Caput, a reminder of Palermo's role as capital.
The sculpture is by Ignazio Marabitti, to a design by Nicolò Palma, and the fountain was inaugurated on November 24, 1778. Since 2015 the Genius of Villa Giulia has also been the logo of Palermo Calcio Popolare, an amateur team owned by its fans.
In the middle of a circular basin of Billiemi stone rises a rock, and on top of it stands the statue of the Genius in Carrara marble, 2.56 meters tall: a figure in Roman armor, holding the royal scepter, feeding a snake at his breast. Beside him is an eagle, the emblem of the city, and at his feet a dog, the symbol of loyalty.
Take a close look at the rock too: a cornucopia, a shield with the Trinacria of Sicily and the plaque Prima Sedes, Corona Regis et Regni Caput, a reminder of Palermo's role as capital.
The sculpture is by Ignazio Marabitti, to a design by Nicolò Palma, and the fountain was inaugurated on November 24, 1778. Since 2015 the Genius of Villa Giulia has also been the logo of Palermo Calcio Popolare, an amateur team owned by its fans.