Neptune's Fountain

Sitting in the middle of the Piazza del Nettuno is a magnificent fountain. The Fontana di Nettuno with its “giant” as the locals call it will catch your eye as you walk into the square. It has come to be a symbol of Bologna and is a must see for tourists visiting the city.

The Fountain was created in three years (1563 to 1566) by Flemish Artisan sculptor Giovanni da Bologna. He was later nicknamed Giambologna for his work on the fountain. He was considered one of the best sculptors, second only to Michaelangelo, in the age of mannerism.

The center piece of this sixteenth century work of art is a magnificent Neptune in stride. This muscular bronze statue was quite controversial in its inception. Some people found it indecent and the Catholic Church wanted Giambologna to have the statue’s left hand cover it’s well endowed front. Thanks to defenders of Giambologna’s masterful denouncement that doing so would be artistic castration, the statue has retained the original design of its creator.

The Statue of Neptune stands on a square base, the corners of which are said to represent the four cardinal directions. The cherubs on the corners and the dolphins add a playful touch to the fountain. The gleeful mermaids spurt water from their breasts drawing many male eyes.

The Fontana di Nettuno was never just an ornamental piece. It served as a water source for the outdoor market found on the piazza. The merchants would actually wash some of their goods in its waters.

Today, the area around the fountain is a favourite hang out of the locals, particularly the students. It is a lively yet restful place and central to places of interest in Bologna.