Neptune Fountain

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The fountain remained without its central sculpture for 304 years after its initial basin construction.

2. 2

   The sculptural additions were heavily criticized by 19th-century Romans for being overly theatrical and out of place compared to the older Baroque fountains in the square.

3. 3

   The statue of Neptune was crafted to specifically depict the god in dynamic motion, contrasting with the more static poses of traditional Roman statuary.

4. 4

   The inclusion of a walrus in the sculpture is highly unusual for Roman maritime iconography, likely reflecting late 19th-century artistic eccentricity.

5. 5

   The fountain’s construction was intended to balance the piazza's visual weight against the Fountain of the Moor at the opposite end.

Overview

The Neptune Fountain, located at the northern end of Piazza Navona, serves as a significant example of 19th-century public monument sculpture in Rome. Originally commissioned in 1574 by Giacomo della Porta, the fountain remained basin-only for three centuries. Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà added the sculptural group in 1878 to match the aesthetic of the central Fountain of the Four Rivers. The central marble composition depicts Neptune engaged in a struggle with an octopus, flanked by sea nymphs, cupids, and walruses. This specific design was chosen through a public competition to provide symmetry to the square. The fountain operates as a recirculating water feature maintained by the city of Rome.

Insider tips

• Visit during early morning hours to photograph the sculptures before the square becomes crowded with street performers and tourists.

• Observe the fountain from the northern steps of the piazza to see the full interaction between Neptune and the octopus.

• Check the base of the basin for inscriptions indicating the dates of various restoration projects.