Neptune's Fountain, Gdańsk, Poland

Neptune's Fountain, in the center of Dlugi Targ has grown to be one of Gdansk's most recognizable symbols. The bronze statue of the Roman god of the sea was first erected in 1549, before being aptly made into a fountain in 1633. Like the city he represents, Neptune has had a storied history, himself - dismantled and hidden during World War II, old Neptune didn't come out of hiding until 1954 when he was restored to his rightful place in the heart of the city, reminding us of Gdansk's relationship to the sea.

References:

local-life.com

User Reviews

George Wiederock (4 months ago)
A must see while in Gdansk either on a walking tour or alone. Recommend going to the tourist Info office nearby and getting the audio device for a guided walking tour of the city. It's super cheap and guides you on a nice journey to the major landmarks so you can pop in if you like.

Jess Johnson (5 months ago)
Very pretty to see. It wasn't busy at all when we stopped by on our trip to Gdansk mid-October (however may be busier in the summer), so there was no queueing or fuss to get a good view. The fountain is easy to get to as well, you won't be walking long at all to get to shops / restaurants / bars afterwards so it's definitely worth a visit!

Bob Cook (6 months ago)
A nice fountain in a popular square. This is a an attractive fountain that you can appreciate for a few minutes, take some photos and move on. When she were there we watched some dancing condiment bottles (always glad to see bottles of tomato ketchup looking um happy). There are a few restaurants, places to but ice cream and gift shops.

Asha Akierman (8 months ago)
Overall its a nice fountain. My mother told me to make sure I see that fountain once I get to Gdańsk and I'm honestly disappointed: No water. It supposed be a fountain, but there were just pigeons inside of it. Great possibilities for stunning photos, because of everything around.

Максим Єфименко (12 months ago)
One of the symbols of Gdańsk, famous place in the Main City. Located on the central historical street Długa. It's made of bronze in the XV century. Works only in the warm season . Really nice fountain which has huge historical and cultural value for Gdańsk

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians. The county became a privileged refuge for persecuted Cathars.

The castle, often besieged (notably by Simon de Montfort in 1211 and 1212), resisted assault and was only taken once, in 1486, thanks to treachery during the war between two branches of the Foix family.

From the 14th century, the Counts of Foix spent less and less time in the uncomfortable castle, preferring the Governors' Palace. From 1479, the Counts of Foix became Kings of Navarre and the last of them, made Henri IV of France, annexed his Pyrrenean lands to France.

As seat of the Governor of the Foix region from the 15th century, the castle continued to ensure the defence of the area, notably during the Wars of Religion. Alone of all the castles in the region, it was exempted from the destruction orders of Richelieu (1632-1638).

Until the Revolution, the fortress remained a garrison. Its life was brightened with grand receptions for its governors, including the Count of Tréville, captain of musketeers under Louis XIII and Marshal Philippe Henri de Ségur, one of Louis XVI's ministers. The Round Tower, built in the 15th century, is the most recent, the two square towers having been built before the 11th century. They served as a political and civil prison for four centuries until 1862.

Since 1930, the castle has housed the collections of the Ariège départemental museum. Sections on prehistory, Gallo-Roman and mediaeval archaeology tell the history of Ariège from ancient times. Currently, the museum is rearranging exhibits to concentrate on the history of the castle site so as to recreate the life of Foix at the time of the Counts.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Neptune's Fountain

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Migthy Cathar Castles

Hidden Gems of Finnish Archipelago

House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

Looks like you are a history fan!