Neptuns Triumph

Neptuns Triumph is a Baroque fountain in Potsdam's Lustgarten featuring a central basin 18 meters across. The composition depicts Neptune and Amphitrite in a chariot pulled by water horses, accompanied by additional sandstone figures.

Frederick II of Prussia commissioned the fountain in 1746, with construction completed in 1751 under sculptor Johann August Nahl's direction. It replaced an earlier water feature and became central to the garden's 18th century design.

The name references the Roman god of the sea, depicted here alongside his consort Amphitrite in dynamic splendor. The design became a model for other fountains across German-speaking regions and reflects how Potsdam's gardens favored mythological water sculptures.

The fountain stands freely accessible in the garden and is best experienced in good weather when the water operates fully. The paths surrounding it are level and allow good views of the sculptural figures from all angles.

During extensive restoration work in the 2000s, parts of the original sculpture group were rediscovered at different locations. A triton head was found in Bergholz-Rehbrücke and another figure in Kleinmachnow, providing new insights into the original composition.

Location: Potsdam

Inception: 1746

Creator: Johann August Nahl, Johann Peter Benkert, Gottlieb Heymüller

Architectural style: Baroque

Diameter: 18 m

Made from material: sandstone, steel

Part of: Lustgarten

GPS coordinates: 52.39282,13.05971

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25