The Fountain of Neptune (Fontana di Nettuno) in Bologna dates back to 1565, and was created by Jean de Boulogne, also known as Giambologna. It was a controversial artwork when it was created, and still raises eyebrows even today.
The fountain, also known as “The Giant” is located exactly in the ancient center of the city, at the intersection of the 2 main roads in the city in Roman times.
The entire sculpture was created in bronze and stone in the years 1563 to 1567 by Flemish-born sculptor Giambologna. It was commissioned in celebration of Pope Pius IV by the Pope’s nephew Charles Borromeo.
See this page for more photos and more data on this fountain and its four lactating mermaids.
