Neptune’s Fountain in Prešov It is one of the most striking historical features of South Park on Hlavná Street. It is also the oldest surviving fountain in the city and one of its most interesting historical monuments. Its centrepiece is a stone sculpture of the god Neptune holding a trident, surrounded by aquatic creatures.
The fountain stands on the site of the original town cistern, which in the past served as a reservoir for domestic water. Before the public water supply system was built, in Prešov There were around ten similar cisterns. According to the city, Neptune’s Fountain is the only one of them that has survived to this day.
A fountain dating from 1826
The fountain’s current appearance dates from the year 1826. It was created by a stonemason and sculptor from Košice Vincent Staviarský, which depicts the central figure of Neptune holding a trident. The god of the seas and oceans stands in the middle of a water basin, and his figure is complemented by a group of animals associated with the element of water.
There is a large fish and four other animals around Neptune – a frog, a snake, a tortoise and a crocodile. Each of them is positioned facing a different cardinal direction and spouts water from its mouth towards the central statue. It is precisely these details that make the fountain a striking work of art, which can be admired even from close up.
The cistern itself has an irregular floor plan and combines older Baroque elements with Neoclassical sculptural decoration. The cistern’s historical function has thus remained an integral part of its current artistic design.
The story of Marek Holländer
Behind the fountain’s creation lies an interesting story linked to the history of the Jewish community in Prešov. Its construction was initiated by Marek Holländer, a wealthy merchant originally from Galicia, who settled in Prešov in the late 18th century.
Holländer gradually became a prominent merchant and acquired a house, a shop and burgher’s rights in the town. According to the town, he had the fountain built as a gesture of gratitude and reconciliation with the town council. Its construction thus recalls a period of social and legal changes which enabled the Jewish population to gradually gain a more secure position in the royal towns.
Neptune’s Fountain as part of Prešov city centre
The fountain is situated in South Park on Hlavná Street, right in the historic centre of Prešov. Thanks to its location, it is easily accessible on foot and a visit can be combined with a tour of Hlavná Street and the historic town houses, Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas or other sights in the city centre.
To this day, the Neptune Fountain also serves a practical purpose as part of the town’s leisure area. During the warmer months, the fountain is turned on and, together with the surrounding greenery, creates a pleasant spot to stop for a while whilst strolling through the town.
Neptune's Fountain It thus brings together the history, art and everyday life of Prešov. It is not only a decorative feature of the city park, but also a reminder of the historic water system and the story of a merchant who had a significant influence on the city’s history.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
Map
Information
Neptune's Fountain It is situated in South Park on Hlavná Street, so it can easily be included in a stroll through the historic centre of Prešov. There are benches and greenery in the immediate vicinity, creating a pleasant spot for a short rest.
Some interesting details include water jets concealed in the mouths of animal statues. Small stones or other objects can cause blockages, which is why the city is urging visitors not to throw anything into the fountain.
The fountain is part of the town’s fountain network and its operation depends on the season and its technical condition. During the summer months, it is usually one of the fountains that make a visit to the town centre more enjoyable.
When visiting, it is worth taking a closer look at the individual animal sculptures – a fish, a frog, a snake, a tortoise and a crocodile. Each one forms part of the fountain’s original design and makes it a striking, photogenic feature of Prešov.
