In 1906 the municipality of Syracuse commissioned the sculptor Giulio Moschetti to create the Fountain of Diana, a representation of the well-known legend of Arethusa. The sculptor tell the story of the Nereid-water nymph Aretusa and her protector, the goddess Diana, is helping Arethusa to escape unwanted attention from Alpheus, who fell in love with her after seeing her bathing nude in a stream.
The fountain shows the figure of Diana with bow and arrows, the typical elements of the goddess of hunting, protector of Ortigia in Greek times. At her feet is Arethusa by transforming into a fresh-water spring . Behind her, Alpheus, amazed at what is happening to his beloved. The magnificence of the fountain is amplified by the presence of four titans and two powerful horses that emerge from the water. Finally, the tub is decorated with some masks and coats of arms that reflect the classic style.
The fountain shows the figure of Diana with bow and arrows, the typical elements of the goddess of hunting, protector of Ortigia in Greek times. At her feet is Arethusa by transforming into a fresh-water spring . Behind her, Alpheus, amazed at what is happening to his beloved. The magnificence of the fountain is amplified by the presence of four titans and two powerful horses that emerge from the water. Finally, the tub is decorated with some masks and coats of arms that reflect the classic style.