The Neptune Fountain is the crown jewel of architecture and the central adornment of Canovas del Castillo Square. It is located very close to the famous Prado Museum.
This fountain was built by order of King Carlos III in 1780-1784, almost at the same time as the equally famous fountain located on Cibeles Square. Sculptor Juan Pascual de Mena created this monument based on sketches by the great 18th-century Spanish architect Ventura Rodriguez. Originally, the monument was located elsewhere, but in 1898 it was installed in the center of Canovas del Castillo Square.
The main figure of the fountain is a full-length statue of the ancient Roman god, the patron of the seas, Neptune. The lord of the sea holds a snake and a trident in his hands and drives a shell-shaped chariot led by dolphins and a pair of horses.
It is said that during the years of the civil war, when famine reigned in the city, a sign was hung around Neptune's neck reading, "Give me something to eat or lend me a fork." Today, fans of the Madrid football club "Atletico" often gather at this fountain to celebrate their favorite team's victory.
