  In this paper we present for the first time high spatial resolution K-band
maps of the central kinematical and near-infrared spectral properties of the
giant cD galaxy in the Fornax cluster, NGC 1399. We confirm the presence of a
central velocity dispersion dip within radius < 0.2" seen in previous long-slit
studies. Our velocity dispersion maps give evidence for a non-symmetric
structure in this central area by showing three sigma peaks to the north-east,
south-east and west of the galaxy centre. Additionally we measure near-IR line
strength indices at unprecedented spatial resolution in NGC 1399. The most
important features we observe in our 2-dimensional line strength maps are drops
in Na I and CO(2-0) line strength in the nuclear region of the galaxy,
coinciding spatially with the drop in sigma. The observed line strength and
velocity dispersion changes suggest a scenario where the centre of NGC 1399
harbours a dynamically cold subsystem with a distinct stellar population.
