o coat of arms of Charles V indicated the time of construction of that fountain (16th century).
The sculptural work constitutes evidence of when the medieval style was being replaced by early Baroque forms and decorations. The main subject is the mermaid (a mythological icon of Naples), this one, is in the process of extinguishing the flames of Vesuvius with water gushing from her breasts (this is explained in a marble plaque with the inscription Dum Vesevi Syrena Incendia Mulcet). The original statuette of the mermaid is now in the Museum of San Martino, while as its replacement there is an identical copy of her, reproduced and sculpted by Achille d’Orsi. The rich white marble basin is embellished with high reliefs, garlands and additional coats of arms. It is crowned by the depiction of Vesuvius and the Siren Partenope
