Nettuno
Discovering the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona
The Fountain of Neptune, one of the most famous fountains in Rome, is located at the northern end of Piazza Navona. The fountain was built in 1575-76 and decorated with sculptures in 1878. It was also known as the "Fountain of the Cauldron-makers" because it was located near the street of the cauldron-makers, where metalworkers and sellers of pots and dishes were concentrated.
History and Description
The Fountain of Neptune was part of a project by Giacomo Della Porta, commissioned in 1574 by Pope Gregory XIII, to build two fountains at the ends of the square, then known as "piazza in Agone". The fountain of the Moor, the southern one, underwent improvements by Giacomo Della Porta and, in 1651, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The only major intervention on the Fountain of Neptune was also carried out by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who eliminated the steps and the gate and built a larger basin around the fountain.
The name "Fountain of Neptune" was given after the addition of two sculptural groups: "Nereids with putti and seahorses" by Gregorio Zappalà and "Neptune fighting an octopus" by Antonio Della Bitta. These sculptures were added through a public competition held by the Municipality of Rome in 1873.
Notes
Bibliography
The book "Le fontane di Roma" by Sergio Delli can provide more information on the Fountain of Neptune.
Other Projects
For further information about the Fountain of Neptune, websites dedicated to the fountain can be consulted.
Overall, the Fountain of Neptune is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome and represents a testimony to the artistic talent of great Italian sculptors. With its imposing sculptures, the fountain attracts tourists from all over the world and enchants those who appreciate Baroque art.
