Fountain of Giant, Naples

The Fountain of the Giant (Fontana del Gigante) is a historical fountain monument in Naples that dates back to the 17th century. Originally, it was constructed next to the Royal Palace of Naples and got its name from its proximity to a massive ancient statue. Over time, it underwent several relocations. First, it was moved to the location of the Palace of the Immacolatella and later, in 1905, it found its current picturesque spot on via Partenope, near the Castel dell'Ovo. Sometimes, it is also referred to as the Fontana dell'Immacolatella.

This fountain, commissioned by Antonio 脕lvarez de Toledo, the 5th Duke of Alba and Spanish viceroy of Naples, stood near the Royal Palace at the corner of Largo di Palazzo. It featured a colossal statue called "il Gigante" or Giant, seen in historical paintings, including one by Gaspar van Wittel at Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano. The Giant statue, created in 1670, was removed in 1807. The fountain was designed by Florentine artists Pietro Bernini and Michelangelo Naccherino.

The monumental fountain is characterized by its richly decorated Mannerist style. It consists of three rounded arches, each adorned with the heraldic symbols of the Viceroy of Naples and his king. In the central arch, there is a cup held up by two marine creatures, while the statues in the remaining two lateral arches depict river deities holding sea monsters. At the end of the last arches, you'll find two caryatid statues holding cornucopias.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Naples. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Fountain of Giant
Sight Location: Naples, Italy (See walking tours in Naples)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Naples Old Town Walk

Walking Tours in Naples, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Naples

Creating your own self-guided walk in Naples is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Naples Introduction Walking Tour

Located nearby the infamous volcano Vesuvius, Naples is a dream destination for tourists. Being Italy's third largest city, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world 鈥� a true gem of ancient civilizations. Initially settled by Greeks as a colony, called Parthenope, in the 9th century BC, it was then re-founded as Ne谩polis (鈥淣ew City鈥� in Greek) three... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Naples Old Town Walk

The Old Town of Naples is a treasure trove of majestic architecture: historical monuments, mysterious churches, underground catacombs & caves, and beautiful fountains. Some of these landmarks are thousand years old and still preserved in their original condition. Owing to this, UNESCO has declared the area a World Heritage site.

Walking the maze of narrow alleyways to discover Naples鈥檚... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Historical Churches

Christianity in general and the Catholic faith in particular have always played an important role in the social and cultural life of Naples. Not everyone knows that the city boasts the highest number of churches in the world 鈥� almost 500 historic 鈥渉ouses of God鈥� (1,000 in total) 鈥� accumulated over the course of 17(!) centuries. Hence the nickname 鈥� 鈥渢he city of 500 domes鈥�.

And... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

Where To Stay in Naples, Italy - Guide of Best Areas and Hotels

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