Fountain of Neptune - Neptune fighting an octopus

The Fountain of Neptune is a basin at the northern end of Piazza Navona in Rome, decorated with a sculpture group from the late 19th century. The central figure shows the god of the sea fighting an octopus, framed by female sea creatures, winged child figures and horses in white marble.

The basin was created in 1574 following a design by Giacomo della Porta, but remained without figures for over three centuries. Only in 1878 did Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà add the sculptures to bring the fountain into harmony with the two other large water basins on the square.

The bronze group shows the sea god holding a trident as he battles an eight-armed octopus, symbolizing the power of water. Around them, sea nymphs drift with cupids and horses on waves, while tourists and locals view and photograph the scene from every angle.

The fountain sits on the open square and is freely accessible at any time of day, without admission or barriers. Those reaching the square by public transport should take a bus line, as the nearest metro station is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) away.

The fountain was formerly called Fontana dei Calderari because blacksmith workshops that produced metal objects such as cauldrons and pots stood in the adjacent alley. This link to the neighborhood's craft history is hardly known today, although the alley name Via dei Calderari has been preserved to this day.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1574

Architects: Giacomo della Porta

Creator: Giacomo della Porta, Antonio Della Bitta, Gregorio Zappalà

GPS coordinates: 41.89980,12.47300

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29