The Fontana di Nettuno in Trieste is an elegant fountain honoring the Roman sea god Neptune (Italian: Nettuno), located in Piazza della Borsa, one of the city's central squares. Although less monumental than its counterparts in Bologna or Florence, it is a charming example of Trieste's neoclassical urban design.
🏛️ Location & Surroundings
📍 Piazza della Borsa, right next to the old town and close to Piazza Unità d'Italia
Surrounded by historic buildings such as the old stock exchange (Borsa Vecchia) and the neoclassical Palazzo Dreher
The fountain stands centrally in the square, embedded in the city's life – often crossed by locals and visitors alike
🎨 Design & Symbolism
Depiction: Neptune with a trident, flanked by sea creatures – including a stylized horse, which alludes to the mythological connection to the waves
Material: Light-colored stone, with bronze accents
Style: Neoclassical, with echoes of Baroque fountain art
The fountain symbolizes Trieste's maritime identity – as a port city, as a gateway to the Adriatic, and as a place where water and trade have converged for centuries.