Neptune Fountain, Bologna

This grand bronze and stone fountain stands in a small square beside the main civic space of Bologna, where it has served as a meeting point since the 16th century. Crowning it is a muscular figure of the sea god Neptune, cast by the Flemish sculptor Giambologna, his trident raised above a basin ringed by cherubs, dolphins and reclining sea nymphs. Commissioned to celebrate papal authority over the city, the fountain also supplied water to the area. Its dramatic silhouette has long been a symbol of Bologna and a favourite photographic backdrop.