Neptunova kašna (Valtice) Fountain

Welcome to the beautiful city of Valtice. You've just stopped by one of the most picturesque and at the same time the most peaceful places in the area. You're standing right outside Neptune's fountain. Before we embark on her detailed discovery, let yourself stand for a moment and soak up the atmosphere of this place. Notice how this water monument floats in the northwest of the magnificent castle. Its location is not random, it is firmly connected to the historic wall that surrounds this territory and gives it a sense of closure and historical importance. Feel the calm that exists here, and let yourself be carried away by the sound of the water that creates constant, soothing music in this place.

Now that you've gotten used to this view, let's think a little bit more about what this place really means. This area where you are right now is not just an ordinary park or garden. It's part of something much bigger, more precious and more deeply intertwined with the history of mankind. This whole iceberg-valtic cultural landscape was recognized as an indispensable treasure to the world in 99,996. It's listed on the World Heritage List. This means that every statue, every stone, and every element such as this fountain forms one particular unit that we must protect and weigh. This landscape is a symphony between human imagination and the beauty of nature, where human work tries to live in perfect harmony with nature.

Now let's focus fully on the work of art itself that is right in front of you. Look at the figure that dominates the whole porridge. It's a statue of a man who resembles the Roman god of the seas and waters, Neptune. Notice his form. He is not a young man of his age, but an older, muscular man whose body radiates experience and extraordinary strength. The sculptor worked with sandstone and stone so masterfully that in this hard material he could capture even the delicate details of human anatomy. A man is shown completely without clothing, which allows us to see every line of his muscles and every change in his character. His body looks massive and very natural at the same time.

Now pay attention to his face and head. His face is partially hidden under a dense, rich beard that gives him nobility and a certain secret. His head is then covered with long, thick and overgrown hair that falls around his face and gives him a wild, almost untamed look. This work of sculptor in sandstone is truly fascinating because it can cause a feeling of hair softness and muscle hardness in stone. Look at his position, too. His right leg is bent, while his left leg is stretched. This contrast between bent and stretched limb gives the whole character dynamic. Even if the statue is still, you feel that a man can move or settle again at any moment.

Now look below, where the figure meets the water. Under his left hand is a large, conspicuous jug. The water is coming out of it, which then flows into the rectangular tank underneath. Watch the constant movement. Water flows, bubbles and creates constantly changing patterns on the surface of the stone. This contrast between solid, still sandstone and constantly flowing, living water is what makes this fountain so special. Listen to the rhythmic noise of the water that creates the perfect atmosphere for thought in this place.

Although this monument may seem like an eternal element that has always been there and will always be, it requires constant care and efforts of people who value beauty. To look this perfect today, she had to go through a recovery process. In the years two thousand seventeen and two thousand eighteen the fountain was subject to extensive reconstruction. Thanks to these works, which have been done with great care, today we can watch its beauty in its almost original form and enjoy its presence. It is proof that even the oldest and most valuable things require our attention and protection to survive for generations to come.

Perhaps you are now told who created this work. Although many names have been lost in the history of this place and the names of the makers of this fountain themselves remain a mystery to us, their work speaks for itself. We don't need to know their names to feel the power of their work and the level of their art. Their legacy is here, in every carved muscle, in every spring of water and in every piece of sandstone that makes up this beauty.

Now I want to invite you to further explore. This fountain is just one of the many treasures this landscape offers you. Let yourself continue to be inspired by the beauty of the surrounding gardens, historical walls and broad horizons that open up to you. You may be attracted to the path to the castle, or you may want to walk on the paths that guide you through this unique cultural landscape. Enjoy every moment spent in this wonderful environment. Thank you for stopping by Neptune's fountain, and we wish you a beautiful and inspiring rest of the day.