Inspired
from Flora - the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora Fountain is a stone
fountain in South Mumbai. Located in the Fort business district, the
splendid fountain was built in 1864. It was constructed by the
Agri-Horticultural society of Western India and was carefully designed
by R. Norman Shaw. Crafted out of imported Portland stone, Flora
Fountain was erected at a total sum of Rs. 47,000. Today, this magnificent fountain has been coated with white oil paint. Initially, it was intended to be named after Sir Bartle Frère, who was the governor of Bombay at the time of its construction. Nonetheless, it was decided to change the name just before to its inauguration. Situated almost in the center of South Mumbai, Flora Fountain is sited just at the place where stood the original Churchgate of Bombay Fort.
In 1960, the square where the fountain stands, was formally christened as Hutatma Chowk or Martyr's Square. Flora Fountain has been declared as a heritage structure that continues to soothe the passers-by with its spray of water. Encircled by imperial colonial buildings, the fountain still depicts the royal times. In short and snappy terms, Flora Fountain is city's famous landmark that definitely deserves a visit.