Fontana di Nettuno - Fountain of Neptune, Florence

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The Fountain of Neptune is a fountain in Florence, Italy, situated on the Piazza della Signoria (Signoria square), in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

This work by Bartolomeo Ammannati (1563–1565) and some assistants, such as Giambologna, was commissioned on the occasion of the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici with grand duchess Johanna of Austria in 1565. The assignment had first been given to Baccio Bandinelli, who designed the model but he died before he could start working on the block of Apuan marble.
The fountain has suffered a great deal of damage during the centuries. It was used as a washbasin for laundry at the end of the 16th century. It was vandalized on January 25 1580. A satyr was stolen during the carnival in 1830. It was damaged again by the Bourbon bombardments of 1848. Consequently, it has been the object of several restorations and substitutions. On August 4 2005, the statue was the target of three vandals who climbed it, damaging one of the hands and the trident of Neptune. The act was recorded by security cameras. The statue was restored by 2007

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The Fountain of Neptune is called by the Florentins Il Biancone (The White Giant). The sculptor was Bartolomeo Ammannati and the year was 1565, with the occasion of a wedding in the Medici family. The Neptun's figure ressembles the face of Cosimo I de'Medici - nice twist ;) The white giant stands on a piedestal in the middle of the fountain, on horses and the mytical chained figures Scylla and Charybdis. This one is a copy, the original made in the 19th century is moved safely in the National Museum. A good move because the tifosi always ment trouble for the undefending statues . Recently a drunk guy wanted to have a picture too close to the giant and climbed on its left hand. Seconds he was in water with the broken hand of the statue.

But the greatest thing about the Neptune is the following thing that Michelangelo said to Ammannati when seing the work: "Ammannato, you've ruined a lovely block of marble!" :)))) Great line, I did not know he had such humour :))

Statue by Bartolomeo Ammannati. The Neptune figure, whose face resembles that of Cosimo I de' Medici, was meant to be an allusion to the dominion of the Florentines over the sea. The pedestal in the middle is decorated with the mythical chained figures of Scylla and Charybdis. The statue of Neptune is a copy made in the nineteenth century, while the original is in the National Museum.
This statue and fountain are right outside the Uffizi in Piazza della Signoria.

A stunning fountain in marble and bronze in Piazza Della Signoria in Florence.This courtyard is the most beautiful one in Tuscanny if not in the whole of Italy.Spend at least a couple of hours here in the square to see classic sculpture all around as well as meet locals and tourists.

This is a large fountain built by Bartolomeo Ammanuati during the period 1560 to 1565, an apprentice of Michelangelo, for Cosimo de Medici the ruling family. It was his intention to make Florence a naval power. It is centrally located and well worth viewing.

In the Piazza della Signoria. The Fountain of Neptune (1565-75) features a marble sculpture by Bartolomeo Ammannati, with bronze Tritons and Water Nymphs created by by Giambologna.

The sky was perfectly clear this day, which made photographing sculpture fun (see the David photo on the my main Florence page, for example-- that is the sky behind it).

One of the many sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria, this fountain was designed by artist Ammannati in 1575. It depicts Neptune and he is surrounded by water nymphs. It is supposed to symbolize Tuscan naval victories.

You cant miss the fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria. it is the work of Bartolomeo Ammannati and his pupils (1563-1575), commissioned by Cosimo I. The statues adorning the basin are actually of a higher artistic value.

There is a beautiful fountain in Piazza della Signoria called "The fountain of Neptune".
Neptune was the roman god of sea.

the fountain was built by Bartolomeo Ammannati one of Michelangelo's students.

Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain) located outside Palazzo Vecchio.

According to the local myth....on a night of a full moon..after midnight..the green statues at the base of the fountain come alive?!