We often don’t even notice the fountains surrounding us, since there are so many of them in the urban landscape. However, some fountains stand out among others for their unique shape or history. From the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, we have selected for you 10 one-of-a-kind fountains. From Stockholm to Sunderland, from China to Peru, there is truly something for everyone. Just have a look for yourselves!

Water Boat Fountain, Valencia


Located on Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia, Spain, this sculptural fountain (Fuente del Barco de Agua in Spanish) looks like a boat, but, in fact, only the boat’s structure is made of solid material, while the sail and the rest are created by thin jets of water, resulting in a “glass” effect.

The Fountain Clock, Osaka


This fountain is at the same time a public service and an aquatic sculpture. Located in Osaka Station South Gate Building, it displays the time with a kind of poetic style, creating intermittent flower patterns thanks to water droplets. The whole system is controlled by computer and illuminated by overhead lights to let people perceive the time going by.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas, Texas


Located in Irving, Texas, these horses proudly run through water splashing it around with an unparalleled lifelike effect. In fact, these sculptures commemorate the legendary wild mustangs that used to live in the area in the past. The fountain also represents the dynamism of Native Americans and, unlike other fountains, uses water merely as a decorative element to the sculptures. It was commissioned in 1976 and installed almost 8 years later.

Banpo Bridge, Seoul


Flowing from this bridge located in South Korea is the world’s longest fountain (around half a kilometer long), illuminated by no less than 10000 multicolored LEDs and shooting out 190 tons of water per minute. With an ecological approach, water is pumped directly from the river itself and continuously recycled. The former mayor of Seoul himself promoted this huge work, which also set a Guinness World Record, mainly because of its 38 water pumps shooting water as far as 20 meters while painting it in a variety of colors.

Aqualand Magic Tap


Those who are fond of optical illusions will like this original fountain located at Aqualand in Spain. It looks as if the tap is levitating, but if you look carefully you’ll discover a hidden pipe supporting the whole structure and shooting water from the top, making the fountain look like a running tap.

Vortex Fountain “Charybdis”, Sunderland


This original fountain was created in 2000 by sculptor William Pye for the luxury Seaham Hotel in England.  According to Homer’s Odyssey, Charybdis was a mermaid who was hit by Zeus’ thunderbolt and transformed into a whirlpool as harsh punishment for stealing Hercules’ herd. Pye later carried on this concept building similar sculptures in Oman and Brazil.

The Giant in Austria


Commissioned by Austrian iconic brand Swarovski, this anthropomorphic fountain is the entrance of the famous Crystal Worlds Center. It depicts the face of a giant opening his mouth and pouring water out. Blending into nature, it offers a different view according to the changing seasons, covered with snow in winter or with lush grass in summer.

Nine Floating Fountains


Japanese-American landscape artist Isamu Noguchi created these fountains in 1970 for the Osaka World Expo. Similarly to Aqualand Magic Tap, they seem floating in the sky, but they are actually supported by hidden pipes coming out from the river, a visionary aspect that reminds us of the machines in War of the Worlds. Despite the fact that they’ve been built some 40 years ago, they’re still quite fascinating.

Trevi Fountain


This fanciful artwork was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and then completed by Pietro Bracci some years later. Being more than 26 meters high and almost 50 meters wide, it is Rome’s biggest Baroque fountain and one of the most famous in history. We can even see it in several films, including the notable La Dolce Vita. Completed in 1762, it has been refurbished in 1998 to the delight of all art lovers.

Dubai’s Divers Fountain


Standing more than 24 meters high, this huge sculpture dominates the Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates. The fountain is decorated with fibreglass sculptures depicting divers and it goes through all four levels of the shopping area. Designed by Singaporean DPA Architects, it opened in 2009.