Cabbage Market

Lonely Planet review

Opposite the Capuchin monastery, a lane leads into the sloping square of Cabbage market, the heart of the old town and where live carp were sold from the baroque Parnassus fountain (1695) at Christmas. The fountain is a symbolic cave encrusted with allegorical figures.

Hercules restrains three-headed Cerberus, watchdog of the underworld, and the three female figures represent the ancient empires of Babylon (crown), Persia (cornucopia) and Greece (quiver of arrows). The triumphant woman on top (arrogantly) symbolises Europe. The square has been the best place in town to buy fruit and vegies since the 13th century, and smart shoppers still flock to it. However, the fountain's grotesque design remains an acquired taste.