Neptune Fountain - one of the main attractions of the historic center of Bologna, located opposite the entrance to the Palazzo Re Enzo Palace. It was built on the square of the same name in 1567 on the site of the residential buildings, which on this occasion were demolished. The author of the figure of Neptune was the famous sculptor Giambologna, who took a sample of like a fountain in Florence, bears the same name - the Fountain of Neptune. Another name Bologna Fountain - "Giant" because its height is 3, 2 meters and weigh up to 2, 2 tons.

The base of the fountain is made of the usual local stone and exterior decoration made of Verona marble. The central figure of Neptune surrounded by a variety of bronze sculptures, representing the inhabitants of his kingdom - sirens, dolphins, cherubs, heavenly creatures, etc. On the sides you can see the pope's heraldic shields. Neptune himself, armed with a trident, rises majestically above the pedestal. The fact that all the statues of the fountain naked, repeatedly became the occasion for public debate and censure, some locals even offered to cover the "causal space" traditional fig leaves. However, organized a referendum on this issue most of the residents opposed the change masterpiece, no matter how obscene it may look.

The source of water for the Fountain of Neptune is a fountain Rémond around the monastery of San Michele in Bosco. The author of the project of the aqueduct leading water from the spring to the fountain and the Palazzo Comunale, as well as of the fountain was Tommaso laureth.

For almost five centuries of its history Neptune Fountain completely restored several times - the last restoration took place in 1988-1990. After it was installed a fountain in front of a plaque with the names of all those who participated in it financially or physically.