{"id":67849,"date":"2015-07-20T12:13:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-20T11:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/?p=67849"},"modified":"2026-10-12T21:52:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T20:52:07","slug":"other-squares-and-places-in-palermo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/en\/other-squares-and-places-in-palermo","title":{"rendered":"Other squares and places in Palermo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Water towers of Palermo<\/h2>\n

The water towers<\/strong> (torri d\u2019acqua) of Palermo \u2013 sometimes called \u201ccastelletti\u201d \u2013 are historic vertical structures that were part of the city\u2019s traditional water distribution system until the early 20th century. They exploited the principle of communicating vessels: water, captured from natural springs around the Conca d\u2019Oro, was conveyed through underground channels and terracotta pipes to these towers, where it was stored at height to ensure gravity-fed distribution in the urban districts.<\/p>\n

\"Water<\/a>

Water tower of the Seven Fairies (Sette Fate) near Ballaro<\/p><\/div>\n

Built from the 16th century onwards, often leaning against the city walls or integrated into urban planning, they were numerous (up to 67 recorded in the 19th century) before becoming obsolete with the advent of a modern aqueduct and cast-iron pipes in the early 20th century.
Architecturally simple, sometimes trapezoidal or rectangular, with external metal staircases and collection basins at the top, these towers provided not only drinking water but also a visual landmark in the urban landscape.<\/p>\n

Today, a few survive as scattered vestiges in the fabric of the city \u2014 in areas such as the Zisa, Piazza della Pinta or near the old walls.<\/p>\n

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