Why is it called “Gabelmann”?

Locals nicknamed Neptune “Gabelmann” (fork man) after his trident. [1][6]

How old is the fountain?

A water point here is documented from 1337; a new fountain followed in 1566, and the present Neptune composition in 1697/98. [1][6]

The sculptural work (1697/98) is by Caspar (Johann Kaspar) Metzner. [6][5]

The Gabelmann – Neptune Fountain on the Green Market

The Gabelmann is Bamberg’s best‑known meeting spot: a Baroque Neptune fountain in the pedestrian zone on the Green Market (“Grüner Markt”), affectionately called Gabelmann in Franconian dialect — a nod to the trident. [1][6] Between market stalls, cafés and nearby St. Martin, the fountain anchors daily life year‑round. [1][3][4]

Highlights

Central meeting point: A market fountain at the heart of the old town for centuries. [1][6]
Neptune & dolphins: Neptune stands atop a sandstone shaft with coats of arms; dolphins spout into a rectangular basin framed by an ornate iron grille. [6]
Layered history: First recorded 1337 water point; 1566 fountain; 1697/98 Baroque rebuild under Prince‑Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn. [1][6]
Local flavor: The nickname “Gabelmann/Goblmoo” is embedded in Bamberg speech and culture. [1][3]

History at a glance

The site is documented as a public water source from 1337, supplied by wooden pipes from the Stephansberg across town to the market. [1] In 1566 the city realized the bequest of councillor Ludwig Krug and erected a new fountain — local lore says the funds reached Bamberg hidden in a wheel of salt. [1][6]

The Baroque fountain was commissioned by Prince‑Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn in 1697/98; the Neptune figure is by Caspar Metzner. [6][5] The system draws water via a c. 1.5 km conduit from the Friedrichsbrunnen; city architect Johann Christoph Bissing oversaw the works. [6] Repairs followed war damage in 1945; restoration continued into 1954 and a comprehensive campaign in 1972. [4]

Form & details

A rectangular, profiled sandstone basin is enclosed by a finely wrought grille; the shaft bears the prince‑bishop’s arms and the city arms. [6] Neptune faces the then‑new Jesuit church, today St. Martin — a deliberate urban sightline. [6] Step around the basin to notice the play of proportions, shields and ironwork in changing light. [6]

Plan your stop

Location: Green Market (Grüner Markt), pedestrian zone, steps from St. Martin. [1][4]
Access: Public space; be mindful of market operations and events. [1][4]
Look closer: Spot the coats of arms, the grille motifs and the view line to St. Martin. [6]

Nearby

Old Town Hall — Bamberg’s island landmark.
St. Martin — Jesuit church on the market.
Maxplatz — historic square with town hall.
Little Venice — former fishermen’s quarter.
Geyerswörth Palace — Renaissance ensemble on the water.

About this page: Editorial overview based only on the linked sources. Last reviewed: 03 Nov 2025.