Neptune Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune, located at the northern end of Piazza Navona, is a perfect example of how art and architecture can transform an urban space. This fountain, initially designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1574, was later completed with sculptures added in the 19th century. Its history and design reflect the artistic and urban evolution of Rome, as well as the importance of the square itself as a center of social and cultural life. Giacomo della Porta, a famous architect of the late Renaissance, designed the fountain as part of a broader plan to beautify Piazza Navona, which already housed the Fountain of the Moor on the southern side. Originally, the Fountain of Neptune was a simple structure, composed of a basin in pink Portasanta marble, without decorative sculptures. The decision to place the fountain at this point in the square aimed to visually balance the space, creating harmony between the various fountains and the surrounding architecture. For almost three centuries, the fountain remained incomplete, a simple basin devoid of sculptural decorations. It was only in 1878 that the statues we see today were added, thanks to the work of sculptors Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà. The decision to complete the fountain with these sculptures was part of a broader urban renewal effort by the City of Rome, which sought to enhance and modernize the city’s historical monuments. At the center of the fountain stands the figure of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, depicted as he battles a giant octopus. This sculpture, created by Antonio della Bitta, captures the energy and power of the sea god, with an expression of determination and strength typical of Baroque representations. Neptune is surrounded by a series of marine creatures sculpted by Gregorio Zappalà, including two hippocamps (seahorses), mermaids, and cupids playing with dolphins. These figures add dynamism and movement to the composition, creating a visual effect that seems to bring the entire sculptural group to life. The setting of the fountain in Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares, further contributes to its charm. Piazza Navona is a sublime example of Baroque architecture, with elegant buildings, historic churches, and other monumental fountains, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. The square itself was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which explains its elongated and curvilinear shape. Over the centuries, Piazza Navona has become a lively center of social and cultural activities, hosting markets, public events, and performances. An interesting aspect of the Fountain of Neptune is its relationship with the other fountains in the square. Together with the Fountain of the Moor and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, it contributes to creating an artistic path that guides visitors through the history and art of Rome. The Fountain of the Moor, located on the opposite side of the square, features a central figure of a Moor wrestling with a dolphin, while the Fountain of the Four Rivers celebrates the main rivers of the then-known world. This dialogue between the fountains enriches the visitors’ experience, offering a variety of styles and themes that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. The history of the Fountain of Neptune is also linked to that of the city of Rome and its popes. For example, the initial construction of the fountain under Pope Gregory XIII reflected the desire to improve the city’s water supply through the restructuring of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. This project was part of a broader urban renewal effort aimed at making Rome not only more functional but also more beautiful.