Fountain of Neptune, Renaissance fountain in Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
The Fountain of Neptune is a Renaissance work in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, with a central marble figure of the sea god standing on a chariot. Four horses pull the chariot while bronze sculptures of sea deities surround the basin.
Cosimo I de' Medici commissioned the fountain in 1559 to celebrate his son Francesco's marriage. Architect Bartolomeo Ammannati completed the work in 1565 after several years of labor.
Florentines nicknamed the statue "Il Biancone," meaning the big white one, referring to the pale marble that stands out against darker bronze. Locals use the fountain as a landmark when giving directions through the historic center.
The fountain stands in front of Palazzo Vecchio and serves as a meeting point for walking tours through the historic center. The piazza is accessible throughout the day and makes a good reference point for navigating the old town.
The 2019 restoration was funded by fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo, headquartered in Florence. The work removed centuries of damage from vandalism and brought back the original colors of the marble.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
