Fountain of Neptune Tourism

The Fountain of Neptune is a monumental civic fountain located in the eponymous Piazza del Nettuno next to Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of Bologna, Italy. Constructed between 1563 and 1566, the fountain is a masterpiece of mannerist art. Designed by the Flemish sculptor Giambologna, also known as Jean de Boulogne, the bronze statue of Neptune stands proudly in the center, symbolizing the power of the Pope Pius IV, with water majestically spouting from its various tritons and nereids. Its intricate iconography represents the relationship between the cosmological and the worldly power. The figure of Neptune, with his commanding posture and far-stretching trident, commands water, one of the vital elements of life, signifying control over the seas and waterways, pertinent during the time of its construction for the city's trade and agriculture. As a highly regarded emblem of Bologna that blends art, history, and urban significance, the fountain has been a focal point, meeting place, and a source of admiration for both locals and travelers alike.