Fountain of Neptune (Madrid) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fountain of Neptune |
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| Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno | |
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View from the south
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| Artist | Juan Pascual de Mena |
| Year | 1781–1786 |
| Medium | White marble |
| Movement | Neoclassicism |
| Subject | Neptune |
| Location | Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, Madrid, Spain |
| 40°24′55″N 3°41′39″W / 40.415268°N 3.694153°W | |
The Fountain of Neptune (or Fuente de Neptuno in Spanish) is a famous and beautiful fountain in Madrid, Spain. It's found right in the middle of a big roundabout called the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo. This fountain is a great example of Neoclassicism, which is a style of art that looks back to ancient Greek and Roman designs. At its heart, the fountain features a sculpture of Neptune, who was the Roman god of the sea.
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Discovering the Neptune Fountain
The Fountain of Neptune is a well-known landmark in Madrid. It stands proudly on the Paseo del Prado, a famous boulevard. This fountain is not just pretty to look at; it also has an interesting history.
How the Fountain Was Made
A famous architect named Ventura Rodríguez first designed the Fountain of Neptune. The actual sculpture was made by Juan Pascual de Mena. He used beautiful white marble from a place called Montesclaros.
Work on the sculpture started in 1781. Sadly, Juan Pascual de Mena passed away in 1784. But his students finished the fountain for him. They completed it in October 1786.
What the Fountain Looks Like
The fountain has a large round base. In the center, you'll see the amazing sculpture of Neptune. He is shown as a powerful Roman god wearing a crown. In one hand, he holds a trident, which is a three-pronged spear. In his other hand, he is grabbing a sea snake.
The fountain can hold a lot of water. It has a maximum capacity of 305 cubic meters of water.
A Special Place for Fans
The Fountain of Neptune is also a very special spot for sports fans. Supporters of the Atlético Madrid football team gather here. They come to celebrate whenever their team wins a big trophy. It's a place of joy and excitement for them!
See also
In Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno (Madrid) para niños
