Neptunova kašna

The Neptune Fountain in Liberec is a historic stone fountain standing on Dr. E. Beneš Square, right in front of the town hall in the center of the Czech city of Liberec. Its story dates back to the early 19th century, though the fountain has moved around the city several times before finally returning to its original spot.

Where is the fountain located?

The fountain stands on Dr. Edvard Beneš Square, one of the central squares of Liberec, directly facing the town hall building. It is an easy landmark to find for anyone exploring the historic city center — the square is one of the main orientation points downtown, and the fountain forms a clear focal point within it.

When was it built and who made it?

The fountain dates from 1823. It was created by stonemason Albert Linke from nearby Jítrava, with the work paid for from municipal funds. It was built to replace an older wooden fountain that had previously stood in front of the earlier town hall building, which no longer exists today. Choosing stone over wood was meant to give the structure the durability needed to withstand year-round exposure to the elements.

What does the fountain look like?

The centerpiece of the fountain is a sandstone sculpture depicting the Roman god Neptune holding a trident. The sea god stands on a dolphin, which doubles as the water spout — a stream flows from the dolphin's mouth into the fountain's basin. This combination of a mythological figure with an animal serving as a functional water outlet was a common design solution for municipal fountains built in Central Europe during that period.

Why did the fountain change location within the city?

The fountain's history is closely tied to redevelopments of Liberec's town center. When the old town hall it originally stood in front of was demolished, the fountain was moved to the center of the square in 1896. On that occasion, local locksmith Otto Hein added an ornamental, historicizing grate to the restored basin, underlining the representative character of the whole ensemble.

A further change came in 1925, when the Neptune Fountain was relocated to the former Potters' Square, known today as Nerudovo Square. Its place on Dr. Beneš Square was then taken by a different fountain, designed by Franz Metzner. That fountain, however, did not last long in this spot — in the summer of 1945 it was dismantled, as its style was considered too closely associated with the German aesthetic of that era.

When did the fountain return to its original spot?

For decades, the Neptune Fountain remained away from the main square, and its condition gradually deteriorated. Only after a thorough restoration did it return in front of the town hall — since 2010, the fountain has once again stood in the place it was originally connected to, almost two centuries earlier.

What should you know before visiting?

The fountain sits in an open public space at the heart of Liberec, so access is unrestricted and free of charge year-round. Its location next to the town hall makes it easy to combine a visit with sightseeing of other landmarks in the city center. Since the fountain is a protected historic monument and the product of careful conservation work, it is worth viewing it with respect for its historical fabric.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the Neptune Fountain in Liberec stand? On Dr. E. Beneš Square, directly in front of the town hall in the center of Liberec.

What year does the fountain date from? From 1823 — it was made by stonemason Albert Linke of Jítrava, funded by the city.

What does the sculpture on the fountain depict? The god Neptune holding a trident, standing on a dolphin whose mouth serves as the water spout feeding the basin.

Has the fountain always stood in the same place? No. It has been relocated over time — moved to the center of the square in 1896, to Nerudovo Square in 1925, and back in front of the town hall since 2010 following restoration.

Is there an admission fee to see the fountain? No, the fountain stands in an open public space and can be viewed free of charge at any time.