Who build the fountain of the 99 canelle and why?

Question

In L'Aquila, Abruzzo

Answer 1

It is situated next to the City wall and is a masterpiece. It was built, as the stone piece tell us, in 1272 by Tancredi of Pentina, having been commissioned by Captain Lucchesino, the Governor.

At present it has a trapezoid form, but originally consisted of only the northern and eastern sides (respectively in front and to the left of visitor), while the southern side was added later as demonstrated by its Renaissance character.

The high rose and white marble wall has simpler design even though it is relatively similar to that of S.Maria di Collemaggio, and was built in the second half of 14th century.

The masks from which the water gushes are the main attraction; they represent monks, virile and feminine heads, horses etc.

According to the legend, these represent the 99 castles that partecipated in the founding of L'Aquila. Alternating with the figures are rosettes which were used extensively in Abruzzi architecture during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. One of the four stones slabs near the central wall carries the dates in which the fountain was built and was restored in 1744, when the piazza was also paved