The Neptune Fountain

Gdańsk, The Long Market

Having a photo taken with Neptune or sending the family a postcard of the fountain is the duty of every tourist in Gdańsk. The Neptune Fountain (also known as Neptune's Well, since a wooden well stood here for over fifty years) was erected in the first half of the 17^th century. This characteristic statue (a mannerist figure wielding a trident) was designed by Peter Husen, while the basin and stem was the work of Abraham van den Block. The fountain was activated in 1633 and surrounded, a year later, by an iron fence. During the Second World War the entire well was dismantled and hidden in various locations outside Gdańsk; to be spouting water again by 1954.

Although the fountain's origins are directly connected to the merchant and burgher history of the city, it was nevertheless accepted by the communist authorities and became a symbol of the city (for example appearing before all programmes produced by local Gdańsk Television). A few years ago, some light-hearted vandal would regularly snap off the tail of the sea creature which covered the sea god's privates. Growing impatient with the situation, restorers finally opted for the painful measure of permanently fixing the tail to the parts in question by means of a sturdy screw.

Today the Neptune Fountain is one of the most important landmarks of the city, chosen by tourists as a meeting place and the object of photo sessions. Frequently, pickets and demonstrations by Tri-City residents take place around it and, following the model of Western European cities, Lechia Gdańsk football fans gather around it to celebrate the club's greatest victories.