Neptune Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, an icon of the city, stands imposingly in Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore. Commissioned by the cardinal legate Carlo Borromeo in 1563 and designed by the architect Tommaso Laureti, the fountain was completed in 1566 with the bronze statue of Neptune, a work by the famous Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne, known as Giambologna. The sculpture represents the sea god Neptune with impressive majesty, his athletic and powerful figure dominating the basin below, surrounded by cherubs and sea creatures that spray water from their mouths, creating a fascinating water display that celebrates the power of the god and the vitality of water itself. The imposing statue of Neptune, 3.20 meters high, is a symbol of power and dominion, with the raised trident in a gesture of authority that recalls control over the seas. The architecture of the fountain is a remarkable example of Mannerist style, harmoniously combining classical and innovative elements. The Istrian stone base is decorated with coats of arms, symbols, and celebratory inscriptions. The figures of cherubs and mermaids, sculpted with great attention to anatomical details, represent rivers and water sources, fundamental elements for the life and prosperity of the city. An interesting anecdote concerns the artist selection process. Giambologna won the commission after presenting a model of the statue to Cardinal Borromeo and Pope Pius IV, surpassing the competition of other prominent artists of the time. His ability to represent the dynamism and strength of the human body, influenced by the study of classical works, was decisive for his choice. Over the centuries, the Fountain of Neptune has undergone various restoration interventions to preserve its beauty and functionality. During World War II, the statue was dismantled and safely stored to avoid damage from bombings. Recent restorations, completed in 2017, have brought the fountain back to its original splendor, allowing visitors to admire once again the finely sculpted details and the complex hydraulic engineering that characterizes it. The fountain has inspired numerous artists and writers, becoming a recurring subject in descriptions of Bologna. It is also associated with various local legends, one of which tells that rubbing the toe of the statue brings good luck, a gesture that continues to attract visitors.