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.
Location: Florence
Inception: 1560
Architects: Bartolomeo Ammannati
Creator: Bartolomeo Ammannati, Baccio Bandinelli
Official opening: 2 Millenium
Height: 560 cm
Made from material: marble, bronze
GPS coordinates: 43.76956,11.25606
Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:06
Italian historic fountains demonstrate five centuries of craftsmanship in sculpture, hydraulic engineering, and urban design. From the 15th to the 19th century, Italian artisans shaped marble, bronze, and stone to create works combining practicality and artistic expression. These fountains tell...
European fountains have been central features of city squares, gardens, and palaces since the 16th century. These water features display scenes from mythology, religion, and history through carefully crafted sculptures and flowing water. Each fountain tells a story about the place where it stands...
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