Alpheus and Arethusa

In Greek mythology, Arethusa was a nymph who followed Diana. During a hunt, the young girl strayed too far from the great and arrived at the banks of the river Alpheus, whose waters were so clear that you could see right to the bottom of it.

One hot day, she really wanted to bathe herself in its waters: around her was silence, interrupted only by the harmonious sounds of nature. Arethusa, certain that no one was watching her, took off her clothes and got in the river, showing off her irresistible beauty.

The water suddenly started to ripple and, while Arethusa struggled to get to the banks, Alpheus appeared before her. The river’s spirit had human features; he was handsome, blonde and his eyes were full of desire.

Arethusa, however, did not feel the same. In fact, she rejected him. Disturbed and terrified, she hurried to escape, and ran naked as far as she could, invoking the help of Diana. To protect her, the goddess first enshrouded her in a thick cloud and then transformed her into the fountain of sweet water that today flows in Ortigia.

Alpheus, however, did not give up so easily. His desire was so great that the gods took pity on him; Jupiter transformed him into an underground stream of water, which today leads into the Arethusa.

The papyrus fountain

In local tradition, the Arethusa Fountain is called “a funtana re papyri” (the papyrus fountain) because of the vegetation that grows around it. Aside from each legend, one thing is clear: the Arethusa Fountain has been a magical place for romantic walks and fairy-tale sunsets for thousands of years.

More information about the Fount here.

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