Neptune Fountain

Just like neighbouring Cibeles Fountain, Neptune Fountain is one of Madrid’s most beautiful and imposing water features. Both gods hold prominent positions not only in Greek mythology but also in the city’s favourite sport: Atlético de Madrid football fans celebrate their victories at Neptune Fountain, while Real Madrid supporters do so at Cibeles Fountain.

In architect Ventura Rodríguez’s original design, the two fountains were placed facing each other along the Paseo del Prado. At the end of the 19th century, they were both relocated and restructured, taking up their current positions in the centre of Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo.

The authorship of the sculpture itself is somewhat unclear. It was commissioned from Juan Pascual de Mena, who died before completing it, although documents show that his disciple José Arias continued the work. Rising from a rocky base, the chariot in the form of a shell is drawn by two hippocamps—symbols of storms and the raging sea. The fountain depicts the Roman god of the sea, trident in hand, on his shell-shaped chariot pulled by the two mythological sea-horses.

Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, the square where the fountain stands is flanked by two of Madrid’s most historic hotels: the Westin Palace and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz.