Neptune's Fountain in Gdańsk

The Neptune Fountain in Gdańsk is one of the city's main tourist attractions, located in the Long Market in front of Artus Court. It was built on the initiative of Mayor Bartłomiej Schachmann and the city councilors between 1606 and 1634. The idea for the fountain was based on an earlier well, and its design was created by the architect and sculptor Abraham van den Blocke. The bronze statue depicting Neptune, the god of the sea, weighs 650 kg and reflects the Flemish Mannerist style, visible both in the fountain's architecture and the sculpture's details. Originally, the fountain operated only during the summer, but its operation was modernized after the introduction of a modern water supply system in the 19th century. Its inauguration took place on March 23, 1634. It is worth noting that the Neptune statue was initially colorful, emphasizing its representative character. In the 18th century, the fountain underwent a Rococo-style reconstruction, and in the 20th century, it was repeatedly renovated, including after the damage of World War II. An interesting fact is that during conservation work in 1988, a fig leaf was added to the statue to cover its genitalia. The last renovation was carried out between 2011 and 2012, introducing modern water treatment and lighting systems. The Neptune Fountain not only serves a decorative role but also represents an important element of Gdańsk's culture, symbolizing maritime trade and the city's history.