Fontana del Nettuno, standing proudly beside Piazza Maggiore, is one of Bologna’s most recognisable symbols and a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Created in the 16th century by Flemish artist Giambologna, the fountain celebrates the power and elegance of Neptune, whose commanding bronze figure rises above a base adorned with sea nymphs, dolphins, and flowing water. Its dynamic composition reflects the city’s ambition during a period of cultural flourishing, while the surrounding square offers a perfect stage for admiring its sculptural detail. Over the centuries, the fountain has become a beloved meeting point and a favourite subject for travellers, photographers, and artists drawn to its expressive forms and mythological grandeur. Today, Fontana del Nettuno remains a defining landmark of Bologna, blending artistic mastery with the lively rhythm of urban life.
Bologna Italy
Fontana del Nettuno graces Piazza del Nettuno, a small square immediately adjoining the grand Piazza Maggiore in the pulsating historic core of Bologna. This Mannerist masterpiece by Giambologna, known locally as "Il Gigante," towers at the intersection of ancient Roman cardo and decumanus streets, symbolizing papal power with its dynamic bronze statue surrounded by dolphins, sirens and cherubs. Dominating the scene are the adjacent Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo del Podestà to the south, the Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo d'Accursio to the north, lively Quadrilatero market alleys like Via Pescherie Vecchie nearby, and easy strolls to Le Due Torri or churches such as Santa Maria della Vita.
Museum
Museo Civico Medievale
Museum
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Museum
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Museum
Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica
Museum
Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna
Museum
Collezioni Comunali d'Arte
Museum
Palazzo Fava
Museum
Museo del Patrimonio Industriale
Museum
Museo Civico del Risorgimento di Bologna
Museum
Museo Davia Bargellini
Museum
Collezione delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo
Museum
Museum of Zoology Bologna
Museum
Museum of San Colombano
Museum
Museo Ebraico di Bologna
Museum
Museo della Comunicazione e del Multimediale Gianni Pelagalli
Museum
Museo Ducati
Museum
Teatro Arena del Sole
Theatre
Teatro Duse
Theatre
Teatro EuropAuditorium
Theatre
Il Celebrazioni Theatre
Theatre
Teatro Auditorium Manzoni
Theatre
Teatro Testoni Ragazzi
Theatre
Teatri di Vita
Theatre
Ateliersi
Theatre
Teatro del Baraccano
Theatre
Bologna Municipal Theater
Theatre
Maggiore g.a.m. art gallery
Gallery
Contemporary Art Gallery P420
Gallery
Otto Gallery
Gallery
Labs Gallery
Gallery
Galleria Wikiarte
Gallery
Galleria B4
Gallery
ArteBo - Contemporary Art gallery
Gallery
Palazzo Re Enzo
Historical Landmark
Palazzo del Podestà Bologna
Historical Landmark
Palazzo Pallavicini
Museum
Palazzo Aldrovandi
Palace
Palazzo Bonasoni
Historical Landmark
Palazzo Bolognini
Historical Landmark
Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter
Cathedral
Basilica di San Petronio
Basilica
Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano
Basilica
Basilica of San Domenico
Basilica
Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore
Basilica
Basilica di San Martino
Basilica
Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi
Basilica
Basilica Collegiata dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano
Church
Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
Church
Chiesa San Giovanni in Monte
Church
Parrocchia dei Santi Vitale e Agricola in Arena
Church
Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore Bologna
Church
Le Due Torri
Tower
Piazza Maggiore
Square
Portici di Bologna
Historical Landmark
Archiginnasio Courtyard
Library
Piazza Santo Stefano
Square
Finestrella di Via Piella
Tourist attractions
Mercato di Mezzo
Market
Porta Galliera
Historical Landmark
Scalinata del Pincio
Tourist attractions
La Montagnola
Park
Giardini Margherita
Park
Orto Botanico ed Erbario dell’Università di Bologna
Botanical Garden
Parco di Villa Ghigi
Park
Villa delle Rose
Museum
Museo della Specola
Museum