Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), Rome

In Rome, many of the significant fountains were dedicated to mythological water gods and nymphs as a token of gratitude for the arrival of fresh water through the aqueducts. The Fountain of Neptune, situated on the northern end of Navona Square, exemplifies this tradition. The ancient Aqua Virgo Aqueduct was restored in 1453, and by 1570, numerous pipes connected to it supplied water to different parts of the city. The quantity of public fountains in a particular area was determined by the size of its population, and as evidenced by the three fountains within, Navona Square was densely inhabited.

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1574, the Fountain of Neptune was created by Giacomo della Porta. The lower basin is crafted from white marble, while the upper basin is made of Pietrasanta marble. When initially constructed, the fountain did not feature any statues, as public fountains of the time were predominantly utilitarian and adorned sculptures were reserved for private gardens. As the 19th century approached, public fountains lost their significance as water suppliers due to the advent of interior plumbing. Nevertheless, they retained their "status symbol" importance, and in 1878, Antonio della Bitta and Gregorio Zappala won a competition to embellish the fountain with statues. Della Bitta sculpted the central piece, depicting Neptune engaged in a battle with an octopus, while Zappala contributed sculptures of the Nereids, cupids, and walruses.