The 4.2-metre monument was carved from specially chosen Apuan marble and features Neptune standing high on an octogonal fountain.
The face of Neptune was carved to resemble Cosimo De' Medici (1389-1464) who had always envisiaged a monument to the god of the sea in the centre of the city.
During his reign, Medici had great ambitions for making Florence a naval super power. The pedestal is decorated with the mythical chained figures of Scylla and Charybdis.
The bronze statues which decorate the fountain are the work of Flemish artist, Jean de Boulogne. The fountain features bronze river gods, smirking satyrs, marble sea horses and a giant sea shell.