Fountain of Neptune - Piazza del Popolo, Rome - God of the Sea above the Square

Neptune raises his trident above two Tritons and dolphins in the monumental Fountain of Neptune on the western side of Piazza del Popolo.

Neptune stands prominently above Piazza del Popolo, holding his trident while two Tritons accompanied by dolphins occupy the rocks at his feet. This imposing marble group crowns the Fountain of Neptune in the western hemicycle of the square, facing toward the Tiber side of Rome. The fountain forms part of the monumental redesign of Piazza del Popolo undertaken by architect Giuseppe Valadier during the early 19th century. Valadier designed the sculptural composition, which was executed by Giovanni Ceccarini between 1822 and 1824. Beneath the statues, a large shell and semicircular travertine basin form the architectural fountain itself. On the opposite, eastern side of Piazza del Popolo stands its counterpart, the Fountain of the Goddess Roma, creating a carefully balanced arrangement across Valadier's great elliptical square. Seen against the dramatic Roman sky, the powerful figure of Neptune and his raised trident make this sculptural group one of the most striking details of Piazza del Popolo.