The Fontana del Nettuno is one of Bologna's defining landmarks, planted in the piazza that takes its name. Giambologna sculpted the muscular Neptune in 1567 on a commission from Pope Pius IV, and the figure's confident stance — trident raised, one foot forward — has been a symbol of the city ever since. Four mermaids at the base squeeze water from their breasts into the basin below, a detail that caused scandal at the time and still draws smiles.
The fountain sits at the junction of Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, so you'll pass it constantly. It's best at night when the bronze catches the warm light from the surrounding buildings. The locals use it as a meeting point — "ci vediamo al Nettuno" is Bologna shorthand for "see you in the centre."