Neptune Fountain

In the heart of the main Florentine Piazza della Signoria is the Neptune Fountain. This is not just a fountain, but a unique structure consisting of a sculptural group, above which the figure of Neptune rises from white marble. The author of the project was the famous sculptor and architect of the Mannerist era Bartolomeo Ammannati. Helped him no less talented master Giambolonia. Beginning in 1565, work continued for a long ten years on the creation of this magnificent fountain, commissioned by Cosimo I Medici.

The structure has an octagonal shape, with a central massive statue of Neptune on a high pedestal between Scyla and Charybdis. The pedestal is a chariot decorated with bizarre seashells carved in marble, carried by four special seahorses with fish tails. Surrounding Neptune, at the base of the fountain, bronze sculptures of sea deities, nymphs and laughing satyrs, all of them depicted in different pretentious, not very natural poses. Around the perimeter, the fountain is fenced with iron pillars with railings.

For many centuries, this creation was partially damaged, but after restoration, and now remains a model for masters of sculpture. There are always many tourists around the god of the sea.