Neptune Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune, currently located in Piazza Municipio in Naples, is one of the most fascinating monumental works in the city, not only for its artistic beauty, but also for its rich history of relocations and transformations. Originally commissioned during the rule of the Spanish viceroy Enrique de Guzmán, Count of Olivares, the fountain was built between 1600 and 1601 based on a design by the Swiss architect Domenico Fontana, with the collaboration of sculptors Michelangelo Naccherino, Pietro Bernini, and Cosimo Fanzago. Initially, the fountain was placed near the Arsenal of the port. However, in 1629 it was moved to Largo di Palazzo, now Piazza del Plebiscito, near the Royal Palace. This transfer was necessary because the fountain, with its grandeur, interfered with the festivities and celebrations held in the square. Due to further logistical needs, the fountain was moved to Borgo Santa Lucia, near Castel dell’Ovo, where additional statues by Fanzago were added. During the revolt of Masaniello in 1647, the fountain suffered significant damage, and further damage was inflicted during the sack of Naples in 1672 by Viceroy Pedro Antonio de Aragón. Despite these adversities, the fountain was restored in 1675 and moved to Molo Grande. Later, in 1886, the fountain was dismantled and reappeared two years later in Piazza della Borsa, now Piazza Giovanni Bovio, where it remained until 2000, when it was brought back to Via Medina to allow for the construction of the Naples metro. Finally, after further restoration, the fountain found its current location in Piazza Municipio, inaugurated in 2015. The structure of the fountain is circular and surrounded by a balustrade. Water flows from four lions holding shields with the symbols of the Medina and Carafa families. Two sea monsters pour water into the central shell, adorned with dolphins and tritons sculpted by Pietro Bernini. At the center, on a rock, two nymphs and two satyrs support a plate holding the statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, symbolizing the maritime power of Naples. The evolution and relocations of the Fountain of Neptune reflect the urban and historical transformations of the city of Naples. Each movement of the fountain is not just a physical change, but an adaptation to the needs and challenges of the city over the centuries. The fountain has witnessed popular uprisings, political changes, and urban development, always maintaining its grandeur and symbolic significance.