Bologna, Italy: Fountain of Neptune
Piazza e Fontana del Nettuno is one of the very important squares and fountains of Bologna.
The square and fountain is in a busy area of Bologna and is a popular public meeting place, not only for tourists but for locals as well. It is located adjacent to Piazza Maggiore. No one misses this when they are in the heart of the city. There are however lesser crowds here in the morning than during the rest of the day.
The fountain is from the work of Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne), a Flemish sculptor who moved to Italy. You can find most of his works in Florence where he was one of the Medici's exceptional court sculptors. He was not allowed to leave the city later on in his life and career, because the Medici's were afraid he might be pirated by other cities and kingdoms. That just shows how important he was as a sculptor during his time. Although if I was him I would have resented the Medici's. Freedom is priceless in my opinion.
Trivia: Did you know that the logo of Maserati was inspired from the Fountain of Neptune sculpture? Check out the trident of the sculpture.
Of course, as with every city, it has its own folklore luck story. If you notice young people (local students) walking counter clockwise around the fountain, they are hoping for some kind of good luck charm, a divine help intervention perhaps, for their upcoming exams.
It was told that Giambologna walked around the pedestal twice trying to figure out what sculpture he would create, and well, you know how the rest of the story goes. We are but humans, and some of us have a soft spot for superstitutions.
I also would like to add that there is something with Italy and Neptune. Neptune is the god of sea and water in Roman religion. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Poseidon. He represents strength, vigor, vitality and imagination. You can find similar statues of Neptune all over the country. The most popular one is the Fountain of Neptune statue in Florence where Giambologna was also partly involved in.
Think about these little nuggets of information when you visit Bologna and pass by Piazza del Nettuno =)
Travel Period: May 2016
Destination: Bologna (Emilia Romagna), Italy
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Looking to the direction of Piazza dell Nettuno from Via dell' Independenzza.
The square and fountain is in a busy area of Bologna and is a popular public meeting place, not only for tourists but for locals as well. It is located adjacent to Piazza Maggiore. No one misses this when they are in the heart of the city. There are however lesser crowds here in the morning than during the rest of the day.
The fountain is from the work of Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne), a Flemish sculptor who moved to Italy. You can find most of his works in Florence where he was one of the Medici's exceptional court sculptors. He was not allowed to leave the city later on in his life and career, because the Medici's were afraid he might be pirated by other cities and kingdoms. That just shows how important he was as a sculptor during his time. Although if I was him I would have resented the Medici's. Freedom is priceless in my opinion.
Trivia: Did you know that the logo of Maserati was inspired from the Fountain of Neptune sculpture? Check out the trident of the sculpture.
Of course, as with every city, it has its own folklore luck story. If you notice young people (local students) walking counter clockwise around the fountain, they are hoping for some kind of good luck charm, a divine help intervention perhaps, for their upcoming exams.
It was told that Giambologna walked around the pedestal twice trying to figure out what sculpture he would create, and well, you know how the rest of the story goes. We are but humans, and some of us have a soft spot for superstitutions.
I also would like to add that there is something with Italy and Neptune. Neptune is the god of sea and water in Roman religion. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Poseidon. He represents strength, vigor, vitality and imagination. You can find similar statues of Neptune all over the country. The most popular one is the Fountain of Neptune statue in Florence where Giambologna was also partly involved in.
Think about these little nuggets of information when you visit Bologna and pass by Piazza del Nettuno =)
The Library of Salaborsa is one of the buildings flanking Piazza dell Nettuno.
Morandi Museum on the right and Enzo Palace on the left, sandwiching Piazza dell Nettuno.
Fountain of Neptune.
One of the 4 lactating maidens as pedestal pillars behind me =)
The marble stairs of Biblioteca Salaborsa.
Travel Period: May 2016
Destination: Bologna (Emilia Romagna), Italy
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Bologna ! A very romantic medieval town !
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