Fountain of Neptune
Fountain of Neptune
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Parione
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- BradHong Kong, China174,791 contributionsThe beautiful Neptune fountain at Piazza NavonaThe Neptune Fountain is situated at the northern end of Piazza Navona. It is one of three fountains you can enjoy on the square. Originally created by Giacomo della Porta (1574), it was enhanced in 1878 by Antonio della Bitta who added the central figure of Neptune, who you will see battling a formidable octopus. You will also see Neptune's chariot horses rising from the fountain waters on both sides as well as nymphs and other mythical sea creatures situated around middle basin from which water spills into a lower ground level basin. It is a very beautiful fountain monument and very nice complement to G.D. Porta's Moor Fountain located on the opposite end of the square. Both are well worth spending a few minutes to enjoy while sightseeing around Piazza Navona.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 April 2024
- Johan AJönköping, Sweden227 contributionsNice placeA good place to rest your feet after walking in Rome. Nice piazza with many restaurants and cafes. Also an amazing fact that the piazza is the place of the world’s first sports stadiumVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 May 2024
- Mairwen1United Kingdom11,165 contributionsExploring Piazza NavonaOn it’s own, the Fountain of Neptune would be impressive. However it’s one of 3 monumental fountains in Piazza Navona. At one end of the long oval-shaped piazza is the Fountain of the Moors and at the opposite end, is the Fountain of Neptune. It’s worth walking the from one end of the piazza to the other, to check out all three fountains. They are all lovely and its a lively, fun piazza to stroll through. A very basic fountain was first placed here in 1547 century by Pope Gregory XII but the mermaids, horses, gods and cherubs were only added some 300 years later. Without them, it would have been plain but with them, it’s dramatic and highly ornate. The central figure is the sea-god, Neptune. It captures the moment when Neptune is about to forcefully plunge his spear into the body of the monster-like octopus that has him trapped. It’s all happening. Horses are rearing up, riders are tumbling, cherubs are scrambling over the backs of giant fish and the mermaids are having their own struggles with wild dolphins. The original basin was designed by Della Porta and the sculptures added by the relatively unknown sculptors, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2024
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4.5
219 reviews
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dapper777
Monaco65,469 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The fountain, also known as the fountain of the "calderari", by the vendors of copper vessels in the nearby Piazza S. Apollinare, is located in the northern end of Piazza Navona. The design of this fountain was commissioned to Giacomo Della Porta in 1574.
The project originally was to offer simple drinking troughs.
It was replaced in the mid-seventeenth century by the current basin, built by Bernini on the model of the Moro fountain located at the opposite end of the square.
The decoration of the basin, which should have been similar to that one as its twin, with tritons and masks, was not realized, however.
Only after Rome became the capital of the kingdon, in 1873 the Municipality commisioned the creation of the central group with Neptune fighting an octopus to the sculptor Antonio Della Bitta and the eight lateral groups with nereids, sea horses, cherubs and dolphins (alternating) to Sicilian Gregorio Zappalà.
Neptune is the central figure, representing the god of the sea with the trident that defends himself from an octopus clinging to its legs .
At the semicircular sides are aquatic animals and nereids, sea horses led by children, sirens fighting with sea, monsters and winged cherubs playing with dolphins,
It is beautiful.
Every time we can't stop admiring it.
It is one of our favorite fountains in Rome.
Magical location, of course
The project originally was to offer simple drinking troughs.
It was replaced in the mid-seventeenth century by the current basin, built by Bernini on the model of the Moro fountain located at the opposite end of the square.
The decoration of the basin, which should have been similar to that one as its twin, with tritons and masks, was not realized, however.
Only after Rome became the capital of the kingdon, in 1873 the Municipality commisioned the creation of the central group with Neptune fighting an octopus to the sculptor Antonio Della Bitta and the eight lateral groups with nereids, sea horses, cherubs and dolphins (alternating) to Sicilian Gregorio Zappalà.
Neptune is the central figure, representing the god of the sea with the trident that defends himself from an octopus clinging to its legs .
At the semicircular sides are aquatic animals and nereids, sea horses led by children, sirens fighting with sea, monsters and winged cherubs playing with dolphins,
It is beautiful.
Every time we can't stop admiring it.
It is one of our favorite fountains in Rome.
Magical location, of course
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,165 contributions
June 2022
Three beautiful marble fountains can be found in the one place at Piazza Navona. This is one of the two smaller fountains that sit at opposite ends of the piazza.
It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XII in 16th century.
The basic fountain was built in 1574 but the statues were not added for another 300 years. Without all the the mermaids, horses, gods and cherubs, it would have been a rather plain affair. With them, it’s high drama. Neptune, the sea-god, is entangled in the tentacles of an octopus which have his legs in an almost vice-like grip. Neptune’s arms are raised and at any moment, he’s about to plunge his spear into the octopus’ body. Equally dramatically, two horses are rearing, with front legs in the air and rising up out of the water as their hapless riders slip sideways. It’s hard to tell what the two mermaids are doing but they appear to be either playing with, or strangling, a swan. Or perhaps it’s a very stylised dolphin.
The other two fountains probably attract more attention because they are the work of the Baroque genius, Gian Bernini and whole walking tours are designed around seeing Bernini’s work in Rome. The Fontana del Nettuno was a collaborative affair, with the basin being designed by Della Porta and the sculptures being created by the relatively obscure sculptors, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà. However its a lively, theatrical piece and its well worth walking the length of the piazza to check out all three fountains.
It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XII in 16th century.
The basic fountain was built in 1574 but the statues were not added for another 300 years. Without all the the mermaids, horses, gods and cherubs, it would have been a rather plain affair. With them, it’s high drama. Neptune, the sea-god, is entangled in the tentacles of an octopus which have his legs in an almost vice-like grip. Neptune’s arms are raised and at any moment, he’s about to plunge his spear into the octopus’ body. Equally dramatically, two horses are rearing, with front legs in the air and rising up out of the water as their hapless riders slip sideways. It’s hard to tell what the two mermaids are doing but they appear to be either playing with, or strangling, a swan. Or perhaps it’s a very stylised dolphin.
The other two fountains probably attract more attention because they are the work of the Baroque genius, Gian Bernini and whole walking tours are designed around seeing Bernini’s work in Rome. The Fontana del Nettuno was a collaborative affair, with the basin being designed by Della Porta and the sculptures being created by the relatively obscure sculptors, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà. However its a lively, theatrical piece and its well worth walking the length of the piazza to check out all three fountains.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo S
Hilliard, OH5,124 contributions
Oct 2022
Located in the beautiful Piazza Navona, this fountain is one of three that can be viewed here. The god Neptune in all of his glory riding seahorses while nymphs and cherubs attend him. Well worth a visit, and if you like sculpture, this is definitely one to see.
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,165 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
On it’s own, the Fountain of Neptune would be impressive. However it’s one of 3 monumental fountains in Piazza Navona.
At one end of the long oval-shaped piazza is the Fountain of the Moors and at the opposite end, is the Fountain of Neptune.
It’s worth walking the from one end of the piazza to the other, to check out all three fountains. They are all lovely and its a lively, fun piazza to stroll through.
A very basic fountain was first placed here in 1547 century by Pope Gregory XII but the mermaids, horses, gods and cherubs were only added some 300 years later.
Without them, it would have been plain but with them, it’s dramatic and highly ornate.
The central figure is the sea-god, Neptune. It captures the moment when Neptune is about to forcefully plunge his spear into the body of the monster-like octopus that has him trapped. It’s all happening. Horses are rearing up, riders are tumbling, cherubs are scrambling over the backs of giant fish and the mermaids are having their own struggles with wild dolphins.
The original basin was designed by Della Porta and the sculptures added by the relatively unknown sculptors, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà.
At one end of the long oval-shaped piazza is the Fountain of the Moors and at the opposite end, is the Fountain of Neptune.
It’s worth walking the from one end of the piazza to the other, to check out all three fountains. They are all lovely and its a lively, fun piazza to stroll through.
A very basic fountain was first placed here in 1547 century by Pope Gregory XII but the mermaids, horses, gods and cherubs were only added some 300 years later.
Without them, it would have been plain but with them, it’s dramatic and highly ornate.
The central figure is the sea-god, Neptune. It captures the moment when Neptune is about to forcefully plunge his spear into the body of the monster-like octopus that has him trapped. It’s all happening. Horses are rearing up, riders are tumbling, cherubs are scrambling over the backs of giant fish and the mermaids are having their own struggles with wild dolphins.
The original basin was designed by Della Porta and the sculptures added by the relatively unknown sculptors, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappalà.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,791 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
The Neptune Fountain is situated at the northern end of Piazza Navona. It is one of three fountains you can enjoy on the square. Originally created by Giacomo della Porta (1574), it was enhanced in 1878 by Antonio della Bitta who added the central figure of Neptune, who you will see battling a formidable octopus. You will also see Neptune's chariot horses rising from the fountain waters on both sides as well as nymphs and other mythical sea creatures situated around middle basin from which water spills into a lower ground level basin.
It is a very beautiful fountain monument and very nice complement to G.D. Porta's Moor Fountain located on the opposite end of the square. Both are well worth spending a few minutes to enjoy while sightseeing around Piazza Navona.
It is a very beautiful fountain monument and very nice complement to G.D. Porta's Moor Fountain located on the opposite end of the square. Both are well worth spending a few minutes to enjoy while sightseeing around Piazza Navona.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shasha
Chino Valley, AZ595 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Across Piazza Navona from the Fountain of Four Rivers sits the Fontana dei Nettuno. Giacomo della Porta created its basin in 1574 for Pope Gregory XIII. Antonio della Bitta, added the Neptune fighting with an octopus.sculpture in 1878 to balance with La Fontana del Moro.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maserk
Colorado Springs, CO1,730 contributions
Oct 2022
Definitely stop to appreciate the sculptures in this fountain if you're in the Piazza Navona. But I would not make a separate trip across the city to see this fountain on its own, without all that Piazza Navona has to offer. The location is a wonderful place to sit and people-watch.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Located in Piazza Navona, you will hardly ever get the chance for a solo photo without other tourists/visitors in the background.
A grand fountain with majestic sculptures. You can't but wonder at the grandeur of Rome.
Just as piazza Navona is a must see in Rome, you shouldn't miss the fountains on the Piazza
A grand fountain with majestic sculptures. You can't but wonder at the grandeur of Rome.
Just as piazza Navona is a must see in Rome, you shouldn't miss the fountains on the Piazza
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,018 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This is one of three majestic fountains in the Piazza Navona. It's not the biggest (Four Rivers), but it is amazing just the same. Admire the details, then enjoy the ambience of the Piazza with it's vendors, buskers, crowds, restaurants, gelato, ...
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johan A
Jönköping, Sweden227 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
A good place to rest your feet after walking in Rome. Nice piazza with many restaurants and cafes. Also an amazing fact that the piazza is the place of the world’s first sports stadium
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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