Caritas Fountain (Copenhagen)
The Caritasbrunnen (Danish Caritasbrønden) is the oldest fountain in the Danish capital Copenhagen . The fountain is located on Gammeltorv , the old market, part of the pedestrian zone Strøget .
history
The origins of a fountain on the Alter Markt go back to the 16th century. King Frederik II of Denmark and Norway made the city's water supply possible by building a 6 km long aqueduct from the Endrupsee to the Alter Markt. The height difference of about 9 m created enough pressure to push the water to the surface.
King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway had the old market redesigned between 1608 and 1610 and the fountain moved and rebuilt. Here he was given a wooden version of the eponymous charity . Despite its now decorative character, it continued to serve primarily as a water supply. Over the years the street level increased so that the basin was soon below it, which lost its representative effect and polluted the water. A grid was erected to distinguish it from its surroundings. However, this measure could not stop the decline. The Caritas fountain got its current appearance between 1781 and 1890.
layout
A stele, on which a gray marble column drum stands, protrudes from a granite basin . The column was added under Christian VII and bears his monogram on the front and the coat of arms of Copenhagen on the back. At the base of the stele there are fish with water gushing out of their nostrils.
A bronze fountain bowl with golden ornaments and gargoyles rests on the column . In the bowl stands on another, bronze column the charity, the embodiment of mercy and charity , which is now also made of bronze . According to the ideal of Maria lactans , nourishing water comes out of her breasts instead of milk. She is holding a child on her left arm and with her right hand is touching the head of a boy who is urinating in the pelvis. He also hands her the Heart of Jesus , from whose flame water also comes out. There are three golden dolphins at the feet of the group of figures .
Others
On certain occasions, such as Grundlovsdag on June 5th or the birthday of the monarch, under Margrethe II it is April 16th, gold-plated apples are placed on the fountains, on which they then "dance". The tradition goes back to the 18th century.
For the sake of prudery , the water outlet points for the group of figures were sealed between 1857 and 1940.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Caritasbrønden, Gammeltorv, Drikkevand med dyr og snavs - 1001 fortællinger om Danmark. Retrieved March 14, 2018 .
- ↑ a b Jens Fleischer: København. Kulturhistorisk opslagsbog. Retrieved March 14, 2018 (da-dk).
- ↑ a b Monuments and Art in Byen. Retrieved March 14, 2018 (Danish).
Coordinates: 55 ° 40 ′ 41 ″ N , 12 ° 34 ′ 20.3 ″ E