Description of the attraction
The Fountain of Neptune is one of the main attractions of the historic center of Bologna, located opposite the entrance to the Palazzo Re Enzo. It was built on the square of the same name in 1567 on the site of residential buildings that were demolished on this occasion. The author of the figure of Neptune was the famous sculptor Giambologna, who took as a model a similar fountain in Florence, bearing the same name - the Fountain of Neptune. Another name for the Bologna fountain is "Giant", since its height is 3.2 meters, and its weight reaches 2.2 tons.
The base of the fountain is made of ordinary local stone and the exterior is made of Verona marble. The central figure of Neptune is surrounded by various bronze sculptures representing the inhabitants of his kingdom - sirens, dolphins, cherubs, heavenly creatures, etc. On the sides you can see the papal heraldic shields. Neptune himself, armed with a trident, rises majestically above the pedestal. The fact that all the statues of the fountain are naked has repeatedly become a reason for public controversy and censure, some local residents even suggested covering the "causal places" with traditional fig leaves. However, at a referendum organized on this occasion, most of the townspeople spoke out against changing the masterpiece, no matter how obscene it may look.
The source of water for the Fountain of Neptune is the spring of Remonda in the vicinity of the monastery of San Michele in Bosco. The author of the aqueduct project, leading water from the spring to the fountain and in the Palazzo Communale, as well as the fountain itself, was Tommaso Laureti.
For almost five centuries of its history, the Neptune Fountain has been completely restored several times - the last restoration took place in 1988-1990. After her, a plaque was installed in front of the fountain with the names of everyone who participated in this materially or physically.
