The fountain of the Rape of Europa is one of the historical fountains of Naples; it is situated in the Villa Comunale (formerly Villa Reale).\The fountain is formed by a circular basin of grey lava and surrounded by a wrought iron railing and large street lamps.\In the centre is the sculptural group, a valuable original work by Angelo Viva.Õ It was executed in 1798 and initially placed on a fountain at the beginning of Via Marinella, almost adjacent to the Carmine Castle. It depicts the mythological episode of the abduction of Europa by Zeus in the guise of a bull. Europa is intent on holding back her mantle; the latter forms an arch that flaps over her head. At the sides, 2 nymphs try to save her from the fury of the bull.
