Bassin de Latone

The Bassin de Latone is a spectacular water feature in the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles in France. It was the largest artificial fountain in the gardens in the 17th century and was the largest in Europe until it was surpassed by the Trevi Fountain in Rome. The basin stretches some 50 by 25 meters and is surrounded by 59 jets of water, most of which are sculpted figures of animals, playing children, and neoclassical monuments. Each of the figures was given its own motion, meaning the entire basin is covered in spectacularly dynamic spectacles of light and air. The figures represent Aesop's fables and Latin tales, linking to the Sun King's culture. Today, visitors can still experience the fountain in full during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the chateau.