The magnificent Neptune Fountain in Piazza Signoria in Florence is on full view again after being covered for restoration for 2 years. The restoration project costing €1.5 million was funded by Salvatore Ferragamo.
The first public fountain in Florence, it was commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici in 1559 after a competition to chose a design. Baccio Bandinelli was chosen as the winner but he died before the work began. Bartolommeo Ammannato took over the project. The 4.2 metre Neptune stands high above all else in the middle of the fountain. It is said that his face resembles that of Cosimo I de Medici.
The central part of the fountain with Neptune on a pedestal with the mythical figures of Scylla and Charybdis was completed in 1565 in time for the wedding of Francesco I de Medici and the Grand Duchess Giovanni d’Austria. The basin surrounding Neptune, decorated with bronze nymphs, fauns, satyrs and marble seahorses took another 10 years.
Neptune is made from white Carrara marble and was sarcastically called Biancone, white giant, when he first appeared. The one on show now is a copy made in the 1800s. The original is in the National Museum.
The detail in the sculptures is now easy to see. The inner workings have been renovated too and water flows in the fountain for the first time in years.
Cosimo I de Medici sits calmly on his horse beside Neptune. This statue was commissioned by Cosimo’s son, Ferdinando I de Medici in 1594.
The work continues with workers concentrating on cleaning.
Piazza Signoria is the beautiful heart of Florence and the restored fountain is makes it even better.
Beautiful photos. What a major restoration job!
By: chef mimi on April 10, 2019
at 8:22 pm
The fountain is looking fabulous.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 6:45 am
Can’t wait to see him in all his splendour
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on April 10, 2019
at 9:17 pm
He will be there waiting for you.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 6:49 am
Looking forward to seeing it ….
By: Mulino Dominillo on April 11, 2019
at 4:43 am
It is looking great and it is good to see the water flowing.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 6:46 am
Wow, Signor Biancone certainly does sparkle! I’m always amazed when I see such big numbers for a project like this. Granted, it’s a large sculpture with fountain, but it makes you wonder who’s getting what. 2 years of who knows how many people’s time, and clearly they’re not just going at it with a toothbrush.
By: karenincalabria on April 11, 2019
at 5:37 am
The whole thing was pulled apart. The bronze statues were cleaned inside and out and the waterworks were cleaned out. Water had not been flowing for years…a huge amount if work.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 6:48 am
I remember seeing it in all its glory in 1963!!!!!! Fabulous that it is restored and flowing again… Jx
By: Jan Williams on April 11, 2019
at 6:24 am
It is always great to walk into the piazza and see Neptune.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 6:48 am
Was the water working when you were there….I saw it in its full glory, water working also on my last days in Florence.
By: Dianne Perrin on April 11, 2019
at 8:26 am
Only some of the water was turned on, no doubt because there were workers in the basin.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 11, 2019
at 12:20 pm
It really is a magnificent statue and fountain. So pleased that it is back in action.
By: Kerry & Jim on April 11, 2019
at 11:31 pm
Reblogged this on Travels About Town.
By: Betty Albert Chronicles on April 14, 2019
at 1:08 am
So beautiful! When I was there they hadn’t started the restoration yet. A pigeon pooped on my head because my father threw a coin up intending for it to go in the fountain but it hit the bird. Ah, the memories;)
By: thoughtsfromgracie on April 29, 2019
at 8:03 pm