Neptune's Fountain, Emilia Romagna Travel Guide

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Discover Bologna's iconic Fountain of Neptune, a Renaissance masterpiece symbolizing papal power and artistic innovation in the heart of the city.

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Neptune's Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune, or Fontana del Nettuno, is a monumental 16th-century civic fountain in Bologna, Italy, standing in Piazza del Nettuno next to Piazza Maggiore. Designed by Tommaso Laureti and sculpted by Giambologna, it represents Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and is a significant example of Mannerist art, symbolizing papal power and Bologna itself.

A brief summary to Neptune's Fountain

Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, 40124, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Neptune's Fountain.

Take a stroll around the fountain to admire the intricate details of the sculptures and the overall Mannerist design.
Visit the fountain during the day to fully appreciate the bronze and marble artistry, and again at night when it's beautifully illuminated.
Look for the hidden detail related to Neptune's thumb, which, from a certain angle, was rumored to be Giambologna's cheeky revenge against the church.
Join the local students and walk around the fountain counter-clockwise twice before an exam for good luck.

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Getting There

Walking

The Fountain of Neptune is located in the heart of Bologna's historical center, next to Piazza Maggiore. From Piazza Maggiore, simply walk towards the northern side to Piazza del Nettuno, where the fountain is prominently located. The walk is short and straightforward, taking only a few minutes.
Public Transport

If arriving by train at Bologna Centrale Station, take a bus from the station to Piazza Minghetti, which is a 1-minute walk to Piazza del Nettuno. Several bus lines connect the train station to the city center. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50. Alternatively, you can walk from the train station to the fountain in about 15-20 minutes.
Taxi

From Bologna Centrale Station, a taxi ride to the Fountain of Neptune takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between €6-€8. Taxis are readily available outside the train station. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also an option.
Car

Driving to the Fountain of Neptune is not recommended due to the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in Bologna's city center. Parking is challenging and restricted. It is best to park outside the ZTL and walk or take public transport to the fountain. Several car parks are available outside the city center, such as Parcheggio VIII Agosto and Parcheggio Riva Reno. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1.80-€2.40 per hour in the city center.

Discover more about Neptune's Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune, a prominent symbol of Bologna, is located in Piazza del Nettuno, adjacent to Piazza Maggiore. Commissioned by Pope Pius IV in the mid-16th century, the fountain was designed to celebrate the Pope's appointment and to symbolize papal power over Bologna. The fountain's creation was part of a broader architectural renewal of Bologna's city center.The design and structure of the fountain are the work of Tommaso Laureti, while the bronze statue of Neptune is attributed to the Flemish artist Jean de Boulogne, also known as Giambologna. Completed in 1567, the statue depicts Neptune with a commanding presence, his left hand raised in a gesture that seems to calm the waves, symbolizing the Pope's control over Bologna and the world.The fountain features a large basin made of Verona marble, adorned with inscriptions on each side that highlight its public funding and purpose. Surrounding Neptune are figures of mermaids, dolphins, and cherubs representing the Ganges, Nile, Amazon, and Danube rivers, reflecting the Renaissance period's global awareness.Over the centuries, the Fountain of Neptune has become a beloved landmark and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It has undergone several restorations, most recently in 2017, to preserve its splendor. The fountain also holds a few secrets, including a hidden detail related to Neptune's anatomy and is also a popular spot for graduation celebrations. The trident of Neptune was the inspiration for the Maserati logo.