The Fountain of the Elephant was built between 1735 and 1737 by architect GB Vaccarini part of the reconstruction of the city of Catania after the earthquake of 11 January 1693. The statue of the elephant, Roman sculpture, was made with multiple blocks of lava stone assembled. On his back is a granite obelisk decorated with figures of Egyptian style. The elephant is affectionately called Liotru by the inhabitants of Catania and owes its name to the mangling of the name Heliodorus, a noble of Catania, who had opposed the bishop of the city and for this he was condemned to be burned alive. This character is related to the elephant because a legend says that he was the sculptor and was usually ride to get from Catania to Constantinople. Liotru became the official symbol of the city in 1239 and was placed in the municipal coat-of-arms and in the arms of the university. Today is also the mascot of the major local sports clubs. Thanks to Mario (mariogiannecchini http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/browse.php?user_id=641598) for his valuable advice on the use of B/W! Thanks for the comments and the favorites of my previous images! Have a great Sunday! :)