Neptunbrunnen

• 

  Neptunbrunnen in Berlin

• The Neptune Fountain, with St. Mary's Church and the TV Tower in the background.

• Neptunbrunnen in Berlin

• Participants in the water battle at and in the Neptune Fountain enjoy the summer temperatures in Berlin.

The baroque Neptune Fountain near Alexanderplatz is one of the most beautiful fountains in Berlin. The water feature is located on the open space between St. Mary's Church and the Red Town Hall and is a popular meeting place for Berliners and tourists.

Framed by the Red Town Hall, St. Mary's Church and the River Spree in Berlin-Mitte is one of Berlin's most beautiful fountains: the Neptune Fountain. The landmark originally stood in front of the Berlin City Palace and was a gift from Berlin to Kaiser Wilhelm II.

In Berlin only the "Forckenbecken"

The nickname Forckenbecken is appropriate in two respects: the mayor at the time was called Forckenbeck (1878 to 1892). But the main figure of the fountain, Neptune with the trident, also fits thematically because it resembles a fork.

Thieves damaged the Neptunbrunnen

After its construction by Reinhold Begas, the fountain adorned the forecourt of the City Palace for many years from 1891. The Neptune Fountain survived the Second World War almost unscathed. However, the figures were damaged by metal thieves in 1946. The fountain bowl was also destroyed when the City Palace was blown up. The figures were put into storage.

Reconstruction of the Fountain at a new location

23 years later, the fountain was rebuilt in its current location. The open space created by the war between the Red Town Hall and St. Mary's Church is now occupied by the Neptunbrunnen. Neptune with his trident is still enthroned on the new fountain bowl made of red granite. Measured by the trident, the Berlin Neptune Fountain is ten meters high. At his feet are the restored female figures symbolizing the rivers Rhine, Elbe, Oder and Vistula. Many other figures cavort in the fountain: Lobsters, crabs, fish and other river and sea creatures play around the rock base.

Information

• Address:
  Rathausstr. 1
  10178 Berlin
  City map
• Architect: Reinhold Begas