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

Michał Radowski (5 months ago)
One of the most important spot in Gdansk. Must see for all turists but also a nice place for walk for locals.

Mirek Zabski (5 months ago)
According to Roman mythology, Neptune was the king of the seas and oceans. He managed a large kingdom of the water. Neptune was a just ruler who supported sailors. However, when he got angry, he was throwing bolts of lightning. I saw many monuments dedicated to Neptune in different places on our planet. In my honest opinion, Neptune's fountain (monument) in Gdańsk is the most beautiful amongst all. Created by the great Baroque architect Abraham van den Blocke. The fountain was executed in brass and open for the public in 1633. Weight 1433 lb. In the XVII century, a tank of water located on the nearest house roof supplied the fountain a proper water pressure. Since an electric era set in, a water tank was removed and the induction motor starts supply water pressure. I admired that artistic work in September 2015.

vanessa LIO (8 months ago)
Most stunning street corner in the old town Gdańsk, totally breath taking with its history & brillant architectures. You won’t miss it if you visit this city. Highly recommend to visit the old town in an early morning before the crowds arrive. Close to the Fontaine 200 meters further you can taste the yummy local ice cream Lody, totally a must try.

MrJsquires86 (8 months ago)
Amazing fountain. Especially beautiful at night. Many café and restaurants near by and the whole area buzzing. Highly recommend!

Paweł Gąsior (8 months ago)
Obligatory place when you visit Gdansk.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

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Historic Site of the week

Heraclea Lyncestis

Heraclea Lyncestis was an ancient Greek city in Macedon, ruled later by the Romans. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC. The city was named in honor of the mythological hero Heracles. The name Lynkestis originates from the name of the ancient kingdom, conquered by Philip, where the city was built.

Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, as it was at the edge of Macedon"s border with Epirus to the west and Paeonia to the north, until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedon and destroyed its political power. The main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. The prosperity of the city was maintained mainly due to this road.

The Roman emperor Hadrian built a theatre in the center of the town, on a hill, when many buildings in the Roman province of Macedonia were being restored. It began being used during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Inside the theatre there were three animal cages and in the western part a tunnel. The theatre went out of use during the late 4th century AD, when gladiator fights in the Roman Empire were banned, due to the spread of Christianity, the formulation of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the abandonment of, what was then perceived as, pagan rituals and entertainment.

Late Antiquity and Byzantine periods

In the early Byzantine period (4th to 6th centuries AD) Heraclea was an important episcopal centre. A small and a great basilica, the bishop"s residence, and a funerary basilica and the necropolis are some of the remains of this period. Three naves in the Great Basilica are covered with mosaics of very rich floral and figurative iconography; these well preserved mosaics are often regarded as fine examples of the early Christian art period.

The city was sacked by Ostrogoth/Visigoth forces, commanded by Theodoric the Great in 472 AD and again in 479 AD. It was restored in the late 5th and early 6th century. When an earthquake struck in 518 AD, the inhabitants of Heraclea gradually abandoned the city. Subsequently, at the eve of the 7th century, the Dragovites, a Slavic tribe pushed down from the north by the Avars, settled in the area. The last coin issue dates from ca. 585, which suggests that the city was finally captured by the Slavs. As result, in place of the deserted city theatre several huts were built.

The Episcopacy Residence was excavated between 1970 and 1975. The western part was discovered first and the southern side is near the town wall. The luxury rooms are located in the eastern part. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rooms all have mosaic floors. Between the 3rd and 4th rooms there is a hole that led to the eastern entrance of the residence. The hole was purposefully created between the 4th and 6th century.

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