Besides being useful and critical to life, water is also quite beautiful to look at. Lakes and rivers have a beauty of their own, but fountains can be quite lovely and unique.
We found some of the best fountains worldwide and are happy to share them with you.
1. Nine Floating Fountains
These were created for the world expo 1970 in Osaka, Japan. Isamu Noguchi managed to somehow put them atop the falling water. In fact, they are similar to the magic Tap Fountain in #2
Photo from arch2o.com
2. Magic Tap Fountains
There are several floating taps around the world, but this is maybe one of the most colorful faucets. Actually, it’s supported by a glass tube in the middle of the torrent of water, thus hiding the water pipe and support structure.
Photo from Amusingplanet.com
3. La Joute Fountain
Created in 1969, this fountain, meaning “the Joust” in French, is situated in front of the “Palais des Congrès” in Montreal. Every night there is an animated water show, covering the square in mist and ending with a spectacular ring of fire within the fountain.
Photo from aviewoncities.com
4. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
In front of the royal Palace in Barcelona, Spain, this fountain was created as a surprise for a king’s coronation. It houses several thousand cubic feet of water which is blasted in the air by pumps with a total power of 3,000 horsepower.
Every evening there is an incredible light and water show to some of the most world famous compositions. It even features a piece from from the “Lion King”.
Photo from Wikipedia.com
5. Vortex Water Fountain
For something completely different, check out this vortex fountain. Small enough to fit in your back yard, it resembles a mini-tornado. With a little twist you could add lightning as well. But because all the other fountains in this gallery are quite massive, this also exists in a much bigger version as well.
Photo from Geekextreme.com
6. The Swarovski Crystal Head Fountain
Marking the entrance to the Swarovski’s Crystal World in Innsbuck, Austria, this fountains features large crystals as eyes. The museum behind is quite special as well, with it’s kaleidoscope-like composition.
Photo from mnn.com
7. The Fountains of Bellagio
Maybe one of the best know fountains in the world, the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, reigns supreme. A grand total of 39 scuba qualified engineers maintain this massive fountain, that can shoot water columns to a height of a 24 story building. Being worth 40 million dollar, it may be one of the most expensive fountains as well.
Photo from Bellagio.com
8. Fountain of Wealth
The largest fountain, according to Guiness World Records is situated in Singapore. Covering 1,683 square meters, the Fountain of Wealth, shoots water only 13 meters high.
Constructed according to feng shui principles, it should bring prosperity, hence the name. Its show includes music, and a laser light performance.
Photo from worldtoptop.com
9. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
Among the most colorful fountains worldwide, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain in Seoul, South Korea, certainly places into the upper tiers of this category. Illuminated by more than 10,000 LED’s the water jets sway to a variety of music at night.
Photo from fubiz.net
10. Vaillancourt Fountain
Being one of the more controversial fountains in this gallery, the Vaillancourt Fountain was built in the early 70’s. Some call it tremendous, while others are concerned about its safety. It was build to symbolize an independent Quebec, hence it’s also known as Quebec Libre Fountain.
Photo from atlasobscura.com
If you have enjoyed these fountains, here are some others you might also enjoy seeing: 15 of the world’s most eye-catching water fountains
