Rijeka has an exceptionally large number of fountains. Before the city had a water system, they made use of the many springs which have their source in the very centre. Some of these being underground, public washing facilities and drinking fountains were built for practical purposes, providing places where the inhabitants would gather and catch up with the daily gossip. Many of the original ones are long gone since the building of the modern water system, but in more recent years decorative fountains have been built that give the city a pleasant character. They’re all places where you can sit and enjoy a little refreshment in the summer heat.