Top of the World
The Neptune Fountain stands in Piazza delle Erbe, at the corner of Via dei Portici. Designed by G. Mayr di Fiè, the fountain was erected in the 18th century on the site where the public pillory for peasants used to be. This is the only monumental fountain in Bolzano dating back to the 18th century and represents Neptune who, with three dolphins, stands above large bronze shell-shaped cups. The god of the sea raises the classic trident to the sky: for this reason, the people of Bolzano confidentially call the fountain "Gabelwirt" (innkeeper with a fork). This remarkable work of art is one of the hundred most beautiful fountains in Italy.
