Fontana del Gigante, Marble fountain in via Partenope, Naples, Italy
Fontana del Gigante is a marble fountain on via Partenope with three round arches and heraldic symbols, decorated with sea creatures and a central cup near Castel dell'Ovo. The side sections show river deities holding sea monsters, while the center displays a cup supported by marine creatures.
The fountain was created in the early 1600s by Pietro Bernini and Michelangelo Naccherino for Duke of Alba Antonio Alvarez de Toledo. Since 1906 it has occupied four different locations in Naples, including Piazza Plebiscito, Palazzo Immacolatella, and Villa del Popolo.
The name comes from a former colossal statue that once stood next to it, assembled in 1670 from an ancient Jupiter bust discovered near Cumae.
The fountain sits along the waterfront promenade near Castel dell'Ovo where pedestrians can easily pass by. It is freely accessible and can be visited most times since it is a permanent public landmark installed at its current location.
The sculpture was later refined by artist Cosimo Fanzago, who added details and enhanced the craftsmanship of the work. This artistic intervention elevated its standing as one of the more sophisticated baroque creations in Naples.
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