According to local legend, the fountain was responsible for the invention of the famous herbal liqueur Goldwasser, as Neptune supposedly struck the water with his trident, shattering gold flakes into it.
The statue was moved from its original central position in the square to its current, slightly offset location during the 1927 renovation.
The bronze figure was removed from the fountain and hidden during World War II to prevent it from being melted down or destroyed.
The fountain's design was heavily influenced by the Mannerist style popular in the Netherlands and Flanders at the time of its commissioning.
The base of the pedestal contains a series of maritime-themed bas-reliefs that demonstrate the technical skill of 17th-century bronze casters.
Neptune's Fountain is a 17th-century Mannerist-Rococo bronze sculpture located in the heart of Gdańsk's historic center. Commissioned by Mayor Bartholomäus Schachmann in 1606, it was designed by Abraham van den Blocke and cast by Gerdt Benning. The fountain depicts the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, standing as a symbol of the city's connection to the Baltic. It underwent significant restoration in the mid-1950s after sustaining damage during World War II. The structure is integrated with a basin lined with black marble and features a pedestal adorned with coats of arms and eagle reliefs. Water flow is recirculated through a modern plumbing system concealed beneath the stone structure. It sits as the centerpiece of the Long Market (Długi Targ) and remains one of the most recognized symbols of Gdańsk.
From the steps of the Artus Court, capturing the fountain with the Town Hall tower in the background.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the fountain without the dense crowds that congregate in the Long Market later in the day.
Look for the smaller, less crowded Artus Court nearby to see the architectural context of the square.
The area is paved with cobblestones, so wear comfortable, flat-soled footwear.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the bronze statue, as it is a protected historic monument under constant surveillance.
The fountain is operational only during the warmer months, typically from spring through autumn; it is winterized and covered during the cold season.
