The nickname 'Gabelmoo' is derived from the East Franconian dialect, referring to the fork-like trident held by Neptune.
The bronze figure was cast in 1698, but the fountain basin was not completed until 1700 due to political delays.
The statue was originally intended to be placed in front of the New Residence, but was moved to the market square to improve visibility.
Neptune is depicted standing on a shell supported by four dolphins, symbolizing the prince-bishop's sovereignty over the waterways.
The monument survived the secularization period of the early 19th century when many similar aristocratic symbols were dismantled.
The Gabelmoo, locally known as the Neptunsbrunnen, is an 18th-century Baroque fountain located on the Grüner Markt in Bamberg. It features a larger-than-life bronze statue of Neptune wielding his trident, from which the local nickname 'Gabelmoo' or 'Fork Man' is derived. The fountain was commissioned by Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn and cast between 1697 and 1698 by the sculptor Johann Jakob Vogel. Its base is constructed from local Franconian sandstone, while the central figure is made of bronze. The statue stands as a centerpiece for the daily outdoor produce market that occupies the Grüner Markt. The fountain was originally intended to demonstrate the power of the Prince-Bishop over the city's water supply and economy. It is one of the most prominent examples of secular Baroque sculpture in Bamberg's UNESCO World Heritage city center.
From the west side of the square to capture Neptune with the St. Martin’s Church tower in the background.
Visit during the weekday morning market hours to see the fountain as the bustling center of local trade.
Walk around the entire perimeter to view the distinct facial expressions of the four sea creatures supporting the Neptune figure.
Pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic pedestrian zone.
Do not attempt to climb the fountain base or splash water, as the structure is a protected historical monument.
