This fountain illustrates the story of Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, protecting her children from the insults of the peasants of Lycia and pleading with Jupiter to avenge her.

Discover the story behind Latona’s fountain

Standing in front of the Lycian peasants who forbade her from quenching her thirst despite her exhausting journey, Latona raises her hand to the sky and curses them. – © Thomas Garnier

This fountain illustrates the story of Latona, Apollo and Diana’s mother, protecting her children from the insults of the peasants of Lycia and pleading with Jupiter to avenge her. The god obliges by turning the inhabitants of Lycia into frogs and lizards. – © Thomas Garnier

Latona’s fountain was inspired by The Metamorphoses by Ovide. It illustrates the story of Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, protecting her children from the insults of the peasants of Lycia and pleading with Jupiter to avenge her. The god obliges by turning the inhabitants of Lycia into frogs and lizards.

Cursed by Latona, the terrified peasants were enchanted into frogs emitting jets of water from their mouths. – © Thomas Garnier

The central marble group was sculpted by the Marsy brothers and features Latona and her children. When the fountain was first created in 1668 it was originally placed on a rock surrounded by six figures of peasants in mid-transformation, with 24 frogs positioned on the strip of lawn surrounding the fountain. At the time the goddess was looking towards the Palace. This layout was modified by Jules Hardouin-Mansart between 1687 and 1689. The rock was replaced by a marble pyramid and the group containing Latona was turned to face the Grand Canal. Latona’s Fountain also has a parterre containing the two Lizard Fountains.

Water features of all kinds are an important part of French gardens. Latona's fountain is just one of many incredible water fountains that can be viewed at Versailles. From April to October each year, you can also see the fountains come alive at the Musical Fountains Shows.