Until the introduction of mains water, fountains served as the source of water for public places, as well as a meeting point for many people. This social function remains in many countries, and this is the origin in many villages and cities of multi-well systems; imaginative 'trick' fountains in the the form of step-like water courses, basins, water cupola and cascades.
Fountains
Fountains that can be restored from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries are becoming increasingly rare, and most are extremely costly to restore. Reproductions of fountains from this era are far more common. They are created from old moulds, using a thoroughly patinated building block. This stone can be made either of marble or pebble stone, which is mixed with cement and poured into elaborate wooden moulds. A waterproofing agent is recommended for better frost resistance. The circulating pumps should be emptied before the first frosts of the year.
