Fontana del Nettuno: A Symbol of Bologna
Discover Bologna's iconic Fountain of Neptune, a Renaissance masterpiece symbolizing papal power and artistic innovation in the heart of the city.
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
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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