Neptune Fountain

It is one of the few remaining historical artworks after the earthquake of 1908. The monument, now in front of the Government Building, overlooks the marina and symbolizes the blessings bestowed upon the city by Neptune, god of the seas, who dominates the two monsters: Scylla and Charybdis. The big circular basin, which supports the monument, has recently been built and contains the quadrangular original base. The work was commissioned by the Senate in 1557 and was made by Giovan Angelo Montorsoli, whose name is written on the outside of the original basin (JO. ANG. FLOREN SCULPSIT), together with an inscription that recalls the senators and viceroy of that time. The style of the fountains is inspired by Hellenistic echoes and of Michelangelo’s style, typical of the Montorsoli’s works.

The fountain was at first positioned outside the city walls and built by Charles V, but it was then moved near the Palazzata, which was along the shore of the Straits, in front of the port. This was its position even after the construction of the second Palazzata (the first was destroyed by the earthquake of 1783). In 1934 it was moved to Piazza dell’Unità, where it is now possible to admire it. Parts of the work were rebuilt after the bombing of 1848: in particular Scylla is a copy of the original one made in 1857-58 by Letterio Subba, and Neptune, made in 1856 by Gregorio Zappalà. The original ones are guarded in the Regional Museum.