The ornamental fountains of Piazza San Marco, Venice have immense historical and cultural significance. Built in the 18th century by Antonio Gaspari, the two grand marble basins mark the entrance to St Mark’s Square. They are decorated with relief sculptures depicting Neptune and four allegorical figures representing rivers: Po, Adige, Brenta and Tagliamento. These fountains are an iconic symbol of Venice’s wealth and power during its peak as a maritime empire. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, they serve a practical purpose – providing water for horses and other animals at the entrance of St Mark’s Square while also acting as drainage systems to divert excess rainwater away from the piazza. The ornamental fountains thus represent both Venice’s glorious past and its current ability to remain resilient in times of change.