Neptunek
Purkyniego 1
Neptunek stands in front of Stary Klasztor near plac Nowy Targ, acting as the tiny heir to the grand Neptune fountain that once graced this square — commissioned by the Shanty We Wroclawiu sailing festival.
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Story
Neptunek — Little Neptune — stands proudly outside the Stary Klasztor music club near plac Nowy Targ, trident in hand, keeping a watchful eye on the square where a much grander Neptune once reigned. He is the little brother of the famous Neptune fountain that stood on Nowy Targ from 1732 until it was destroyed during the bombardment of Festung Breslau in World War II. The big Neptune never returned — but Neptunek is here now, and he's got the whole square covered.
History & Significance
Neptunek was unveiled on 2 March and was commissioned by the organisers of the Shanty We Wroclawiu sailing music festival. The original Neptune fountain on Nowy Targ dated to 1732 and symbolised Wroclaw's historical ties with the Hanseatic League and maritime trade. It was destroyed in 1945 during the siege of Festung Breslau. Plans to restore the fountain in the 1960s were abandoned due to lack of funds. Neptunek now stands as its small, cheerful successor.
Inspiration
The Shanty We Wroclawiu festival, which runs under the motto 'Wroclaw demands access to the sea!', commissioned Neptunek to reconnect the city with its maritime heritage. The organisers chose the location in front of Stary Klasztor specifically so the dwarf could gaze onto plac Nowy Targ — the spot where his larger ancestor once stood. It is a mix of historical tribute and good-natured humour.
Fun Facts
- The original Neptune fountain on Nowy Targ was built in 1732 and stood for over two centuries before being destroyed in 1945.
- Neptunek was commissioned by the Shanty We Wroclawiu music festival, which every year demands 'access to the sea' for landlocked Wroclaw.
- His full name is technically 'the little brother of Neptune' — a playful acknowledgement that he is smaller but no less important.
- Plac Nowy Targ underwent major redevelopment as part of Wroclaw's preparations for the European Capital of Culture 2016.
- According to the festival organisers, having a sea god on their side should finally help Wroclaw get its long-awaited coastline.
How to Find This Dwarf
Neptunek stands in front of the Stary Klasztor music club near plac Nowy Targ. From the Market Square, walk east along ul. Swidnicka or ul. Wita Stwosza — plac Nowy Targ is less than 5 minutes away. Stary Klasztor is an easily recognisable venue with a vaulted medieval interior; Neptunek is right by its entrance.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Neptunek dwarf in Wroclaw?
Neptunek stands in front of the Stary Klasztor music club, adjacent to plac Nowy Targ in the Old Town. It's a short walk east from the Market Square.
What is the story of Neptunek?
He is the small successor to the original Neptune fountain that stood on plac Nowy Targ from 1732 until it was destroyed in 1945. The Shanty We Wroclawiu festival placed him here to keep watch over the square where the big Neptune once stood.
Who commissioned the Neptunek dwarf?
He was commissioned by the organisers of the Shanty We Wroclawiu sailing music festival, which runs under the slogan 'Wroclaw demands access to the sea!'.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Situated on the pavement outside Stary Klasztor on a flat, open square. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs; the area was redeveloped and has modern paving.
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