The statue was originally commissioned by Giovanni Pastine, a local who made his fortune in Argentina.
The giant shell held by Neptune originally served as a base for a terrace where guests could dance.
The statue lost its arms, trident, and the shell during heavy Allied bombing in World War II.
In 1966, a massive storm caused further structural damage, permanently altering the figure's silhouette.
It is constructed from reinforced concrete, a material choice that was quite innovative for large-scale outdoor sculpture in the early 20th century.
The Statua del Gigante is a massive reinforced concrete sculpture located at the northern end of Fegina Beach in Monterosso al Mare. Designed by sculptor Arrigo Minerbi and architect Francesco Levacher, it was completed in 1910 to adorn the terrace of Villa Pastine. The statue depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, holding a giant scallop shell that originally supported a ballroom terrace. Measuring approximately 14 meters in height and weighing roughly 170 tons, the figure has sustained significant damage over the decades due to erosion and WWII bombing. It lost its arms and the shell structure during past conflicts and severe weather. The sculpture remains a weathered landmark integrated into the rocky cliffside of the Cinque Terre coastline.
From the pedestrian walkway on the Fegina promenade, looking slightly upward toward the cliff face.
View the statue from the Fegina promenade for the best perspective of its scale against the cliff.
Combine your visit with a walk along the beach, as the statue marks the end of the main swimming area.
Look for the weathered remains from a distance to appreciate how the sculpture has merged with the natural rock formation.
Do not attempt to access the private property surrounding the base of the cliffs to get closer, as it is restricted.
Maintain appropriate beach attire; do not attempt to climb or touch the fragile structure.
