Admire a statue dedicated to the Roman god of the sea and visit the major city attractions set around Monterrey’s Macroplaza.
The Fuente de la Vida o Neptuno (Neptune’s Fountain) is the centerpiece of Monterrey’s picturesque and lively central square, Macroplaza. Admire this striking fountain and sculpture portraying Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and dedicated to a city plan to provide water to Monterrey. Unveiled in 1984, the Fuente de la Vida o Neptuno is the work of Spanish artist Luis Sanguino.
Take time to appreciate the intricate detail of the fountain, dominated by a large sculpture of Neptune riding a horse-drawn chariot. Look for other sculptures of a child holding a fish and a boy with a cornucopia. They symbolise the abundance of fish and water given to Monterrey and the state of Nuevo León by the Cerro Prieto Dam. Look for the woman riding a lion while holding a cornucopia, which represents the state of Nuevo León. Don’t miss the statues of jubilant characters celebrating the wealth of crops and water of Cerro Prieto Dam.
Surrounding the fountain is a well-maintained garden with grassy lawns, benches and paved walkways. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or observe locals going about their business. On a clear day look for the rugged peaks of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
While here, visit other attractions on and around Macroplaza. At the northern edge of the park is the neoclassical Palacio de Gobierno, home to the Museo del Palacio (Palace Museum). South of the fountain you’ll find the 230-foot-tall (70-metre) Faro de Comercio tower and the Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey (Monterrey Metropolitan Cathedral). Be sure to visit the Museo Metropolitana de Monterrey (Metropolitan Museum of Monterrey) and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art).
Located at the heart of the Macroplaza in downtown Monterrey, the Fuente de la Vida o Neptuno is well-served by public transportation. Use the closest metro stop at Estación Zaragoza, just a 2-minute walk away.
