The Neptune Fountain was originally commissioned for the Market Square but was moved to its current location on Maximiliansplatz in 1902.
The square’s architecture displays a mix of 18th-century Baroque styles and more modern commercial building designs.
During the Middle Ages, the area now occupied by the square was largely marshy land outside the initial fortified city walls.
The square is colloquially referred to by locals as 'Maxplatz'.
Beneath the square lies an extensive underground parking facility, which was a significant civil engineering project for Bamberg’s modern infrastructure.
The Neptune Fountain sculpture was famously cast in bronze in Nuremberg, not locally in Bamberg.
Maximiliansplatz is the primary urban square in Bamberg's pedestrian-friendly city center, functioning as the city's central marketplace and social hub. It serves as the site for the city's weekly farmer's markets, where local producers sell regional vegetables, meats, and flowers. The square is defined by the imposing neo-Baroque facade of the St. Martin Church on its western side. A significant central feature is the Neptune Fountain, a prominent bronze sculpture that depicts the Roman god surrounded by maritime allegories. The square acts as the primary connector between the historic Old Town and the newer shopping districts. It was historically established as a parade ground and remains a focal point for large-scale city events, including seasonal festivals.
From the steps of the St. Martin Church looking back across the square toward the Neptune Fountain.
Visit on Wednesday or Saturday mornings to experience the authentic weekly farmer's market.
Look for the smaller stalls selling 'Bamberg Zwiebel' (onions), a local specialty often found during harvest seasons.
Use the surrounding cafes to observe the flow of local life rather than rushing through the square.
Avoid driving into the square as it is primarily a pedestrian zone with strict traffic restrictions.
The square itself is public and always accessible, though market stalls are only present on select mornings.
