Neptune's Fountain

It’s almost impossible not to love the Fontana del Nettuno in Bologna. The powerful, masculine presence of Neptune contrasts beautifully with the city’s warm brick-red tones, and you can really feel the energy of the place. We visited both during the day and at night, but I especially recommend coming in the evening. With the lights illuminating the statue, its shadow falls perfectly onto the old city walls, making it hard to tell whether the sculpture itself or its reflection is the real focal point. The movement and strength of Neptune create a striking contrast with the calm, solemn presence of the Basilica di San Petronio across the square, and together they create a truly memorable scene.

Located in the eponymous Piazza del Nettuno (attached to Piazza Maggiore), this fountain is affectionately known by locals as "Il Gigante" (The Giant). It was commissioned in the 16th century to symbolize the power of the Pope (ruling the world like Neptune rules the seas), but the Flemish sculptor Giambologna had a bit of fun with the design. This is the most famous of Bologna's "Seven Secrets." If you stand on a specific black stone (the pietra della vergogna or "stone of shame") near the entrance to the Salaborsa library, the angle of Neptune’s thumb lines up with his groin to create an ... impressively virile optical illusion. It was Giambologna's way of pranking the Pope who demanded the statue not be too explicit. Look closely at the trident Neptune is holding. Does it look familiar? The Maserati brothers (who were from Bologna) used this exact trident as the logo for their luxury car company.

Neptune’s Fountain is a beautiful landmark right in the heart of Piazza Maggiore. The statue was created in the 16th century by Giambologna and shows Neptune towering over the square as a symbol of power and abundance. The craftsmanship is incredible and the details are striking when you see it up close. The surrounding square is just as impressive, lined with historic buildings that make you feel like you have stepped back into Renaissance Italy. We loved visiting and found it to be a place where history, art, and the daily life of the city all come together. It is definitely one of the highlights of Bologna and worth taking the time to enjoy. If you want the best photos and a quieter atmosphere, visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Certainly an impressive sight and worth visiting if you are in the area! It is one of the more touristy areas of Bologna so it is much busier - the Fountain itself puts a lot of smiles on people’s faces, you’ll see why!

Neptun's fountain is very famous and I recommend to go there and take a photo, it's really beautiful place. There is possibility to use water nearby.

There’s the Maserati emblem Beautiful place along Piazza Maggiore

Watch and be amazed. Open to the public, free of charge. Might be too risque for American christian nationalists.

This fountain is truly a work of art! Perfect place to sit, take in and observe it's beauty. There is a certain calm that washes over one's body while near this fountain.

Call us immature but we loved this fountain because we started calling Bologna the city of boobies after visiting it. I wish I spoke Italian so I could say it in a more romantic way, like the other nicknames for this city. And hey, we weren't the only ones because what supported our claim that we saw plenty of magnets and souvenirs decorated in this fashion. But more seriously, this fountain is lovely. The area has places to sit and enjoy people watching or having a snack. The rest of the piazza has great views and places to eat, drink and shop.

The fountain in the center of Bologna's main square was completed in 1565. The over-life-size bronze figure of the god Neptune was completed & fixed in place around 1566. I appreciated the water fountain in front; the free water was icy cold @ delicious. The fountain & sculpture are iconic symbols Bologna & references to them can be found in many symbols, commercials and logos. Neptune is stretching his left hand in a lordly gesture, appearing to be aiming to placate the waves. His posture symbolic of the power of the Pope as Neptune was the master of the seas, the Pope was the master of Bologna and of the world.

Nice piazza with a beautiful fountain. Great walking promenade to have an afternoon stroll or seat near by and take in the history and architecture around it.

It seems to me that every major city in Italy has a Neptune Fountain. This one is an early work by Giambologna. It is made of bronze and was completed about 1567. Neptune is extending his reach in a lordly gesture of trying to control and still the waters.

An beautiful 16th Century fountain with a large bronze statue of King Neptune in Piazza Nettuno (Neptune's Square). Around the base are a large number of cherubs and mermaids. The marvellous Palazzo Re Enzo serves as a grand backdrop. It's particularly impressive to see when floodlit at night.