They give you a sense of serenity and the feeling to be always at home. They exude such class and sophistication that from home owners to hotels to high-edge spas all want to have them.  But has it ever occurred to you, or at least wonder, where indoor fountains came from?

Well before indoor fountains evolved from being indoor floor fountains to indoor tabletop fountains, these indoor decorative are just one plain fountain. Coming from the Latin word “fons” or “fontis” which means a source or spring, a fountain is an architecture piece pouring water into a basin or jets for a dramatic effect.

Originally a purely functional piece of work, these pieces has evolved as ornaments – sometimes highlights – in gardens and courtyards. The fame of fountains had its peak during the 14th Century onwards when it became center pieces in the palaces of Moorish Spain and Garden of Versailles among others.

Looking back into the fountain’s ‘evolution’ we could actually divide it into the following:

Ancient Greek. One of the earliest fountains in Greece is the Enneacrounos in the main square of Athens dating on the 6th Century B.C. through the Athenian ruler Peisistratos. The Greek’s outdoor fountains are mostly made of stone or marble and are usually flowing through bronze pipes.

Ancient Roman. Among the Ancient’s Rome’s original outdoor fountains is the Fontana della Pigna. Made up of bronze pipe cone, the architecture piece dates on the 1st Century A.D. and can still be seen today.

Medieval. Large outdoor fountains during the Middle Ages are mostly associated to being the source of life, purity, wisdom, and innocence. Smaller ones, called lavabos are placed inside Medieval monasteries for ritual washing purposes (before religious services).

Renaissance. From the 15th through the 17th Century, the prominence of outdoor water fountains skyrocketed. During this period, various scholars, artists, and high-ranking people have made sure to install at least one fountain in known plazas and gardens; some still exist today.

Baroque. Outside water fountains were on its golden age in Rome during the 17th and 18 Century. As expression of the new Baroque art, these pieces were officially advertised by the Catholic Church to win support against the Reformation.

In Russia, the installation of magnificent and breath-taking fountains started in 1714 when Peter the Great constructed Garden à la française with fountains at Peterhof.

And from mere sources of drinking water, outdoor garden fountains have evolved as public monuments in city squares and parks to honor national heroes or as landmarks of important events. So the next time you go home and enjoy the sight and relaxation brought by your beautiful indoor fountain, you might as well appreciate its rich beginning and history.