Squares and landmarks
The Fountain of Neptune, affectionately nicknamed “il Gigante” (the Giant) by the Bolognese, is one of Bologna’s most iconic and best-loved symbols. It stands in the square of the same name, next to Piazza Maggiore, and is a masterpiece of Renaissance art. It is a monumental complex in marble and bronze. The dominant figure is the imposing bronze statue of Neptune, about 3.5 metres tall, rising at the centre. The god of the sea is depicted calming the waters with a commanding gesture of his left hand. The statue stands on an elegant base decorated with mythological figures, including four sirens spouting water from their breasts, and papal and civic coats of arms. The whole complex is rich in symbolism: Neptune’s power over the waters reflects the Pope’s power over the world. One of Bologna’s “seven secrets” concerns a particular optical effect created by the sculptor. From a specific angle (marked by a “stone of shame” in the paving), the thumb of Neptune’s outstretched hand appears to protrude from his lower abdomen, suggesting an erect phallus. It is said to have been the artist’s subtle way of getting around the strict censorship of the time. In addition, the trident held by Neptune inspired the Maserati brothers, who adopted it as the logo of their famous car company, founded in Bologna.
History
The fountain was commissioned in the mid-16th century by the papal vice-legate Pier Donato Cesi at the behest of Pope Pius IV, with the aim of embellishing the new square and symbolising the generosity and power of the papal government. The architectural design of the base was entrusted to Tommaso Laureti, known as “il Siciliano”, while the famous bronze statue of the sea god was the work of the Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne, known as Giambologna, who created it between 1563 and 1566.
Although designed for purely decorative purposes, the fountain was immediately put to practical use by the Bolognese: it was taken over, for example, by vegetable sellers from nearby Piazza Maggiore, who used it to wash their produce, and by Bologna’s washerwomen to do their laundry. Not even a special decree issued on 30 March 1588 managed to discourage the Bolognese from these habits.
Things came to a head when the fountain began to be used illegally as a public urinal, until in 1604 a tall fence was built around it, which finally succeeded in preventing vandalism and indecent behaviour. This fence was only removed by the city council in 1888. The most recent restoration of the fountain was completed in December 2017.
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