Who designed the Neptune Fountain in Messina?

The Neptune Fountain was created by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a renowned sculptor who was very close to Michelangelo. It was the second fountain Montorsoli made in Messina, following the famous Orion Fountain located in Piazza Duomo.

Where is the Neptune Fountain located and how do I get there?

The Neptune Fountain is located along Via Garibaldi in Messina, continuing in a northerly direction from the city center. You can easily access it by walking along Via Garibaldi, which is one of the main streets in Messina's historic center.

What does the statue of Neptune represent in the fountain?

The centerpiece features the statue of God Neptune holding his menacing trident with his back turned to the sea, representing all the majesty of the 'Lady of the Strait.' According to the prevailing theory, Neptune is offering his sea to the people of Messina as a gift.

Is there a legend about why Neptune's statue faces away from the sea?

Yes, there is a popular local tradition suggesting that Neptune turns his back on the people of Calabria to mock them, though this contrasts with the official interpretation that he is offering his sea to Messina. This playful rivalry between Messina and Calabria adds an interesting layer of local folklore to the fountain.

What makes the Neptune Fountain special compared to other Messina fountains?

The Neptune Fountain is one of only two major fountains created by the master sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli in Messina, making it a significant work of Renaissance art. Its artistic importance and the historical prestige of its creator place it among Messina's most notable monuments worth visiting.

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Neptune Fountain

Name: Neptune Fountain
Rating: 4.1

Via G. Garibaldi, 98122 Messina ME, Italia• ★★★★☆• 192 views

Francesca Conte

Fontana di Nettuno

About Neptune Fountain

Continuing on Via Garibaldi in a northerly direction, visit the Fountain of Neptune, the second fountain made in Messina by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli (a sculptor very close to Michelangelo), after the Orion Fountain in Piazza Duomo. The Fountain of Neptune represents all the majesty of the "Lady of the Strait." In the center of the scene is the statue of the God Neptune holding his menacing trident with his back to the sea. According to the prevailing theory, Neptune would thus be offering his sea to the people of Messina.

But there is also a popular tradition that instead, the Sea God would turn his back on the people of Calabria to mock them. Which one will be the real one?

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Suggested itinerary near Neptune Fountain

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Morning

Neptune Fountain

📍 Fontana di Nettuno

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Afternoon

Messina and La granita siciliana

📍 0.7 km · Fontana di Nettuno

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Evening

The Cathedral of Messina and the largest mechanical astronomical clock in the world.

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