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Fountain of Neptune (Madrid) facts for kids

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Fountain of Neptune
Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno
Fuente de Neptuno (Madrid) 06.jpg
View from the south
Artist Juan Pascual de Mena
Year 1781–1786
Medium White marble
Movement Neoclassicism
Subject Neptune
Location Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo [es], Madrid, Spain
Coordinates 40°24′55″N 3°41′39″W / 40.415268°N 3.694153°W / 40.415268; -3.694153
Neptune Fountain, Madrid
View from the north

The Fountain of Neptune (Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno) is a neoclassical fountain located in Madrid, Spain. It lies on the centre of the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo [es], a roundabout in the Paseo del Prado. The sculptural group in its centre represents Neptune, a Roman water deity.

History and description

Designed by Ventura Rodríguez, the sculpture—made of white marble from Montesclaros—was commissioned to Juan Pascual de Mena. Sculptural works began in 1781. Following the master's death in April 1784, the fountain was finished in October 1786 by his disciples.

The fountain is formed by a circular pylon with the sculptural group in its centre. The crowned Roman god wields a trident with one hand while he grabs a sea snake with the other hand.

It has a maximum water capacity of 305 m3.

The fountain is the site where the Atlético Madrid's fans celebrate the team's trophies.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno (Madrid) para niños

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