Beautiful Fountain

Beautiful Fountain

Beautiful Fountain is a 14th-century fountain built between 1385 and 1396, located in Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) in Germany, adjacent to the Town Hall, and is one of the city’s main attractions. Standing 19 meters tall, it is topped with a Gothic spire.

Though called a “fountain,” it is actually an imposing octagonal pyramid adorned with 40 beautifully crafted statues representing the worldview of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century. These sculptures are arranged in three ascending rows leading to the top of the tower: the first level depicts figures from philosophy and the liberal arts; the middle level features Evangelists and Latin Church Fathers; the third level showcases the Seven Electors and Nine Heroes; and the very top includes Moses and the Seven Prophets. The statues are exquisitely detailed and lifelike, created by the master builder and stonemason Heinrich Beheim.

In 1587, a railing was added around the Beautiful Fountain; in 1902, two well-known brass rings were attached to the fence—legend says turning them brings good luck. Today, the original sandstone statues are preserved as fragments in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, while replicas made of Biedermeier-style cast stone replaced the originals between 1897 and 1902.

Schöner Brunnen

Must-visit reason: One of Nuremberg’s principal landmarks

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Germany[Germany]

State/Province: Bavaria [Bavaria]

City: Nuremberg [Nuremberg]