Group 1 | Station 1A | Renaissance Fountain
Renaissance Fountain
The Renaissance fountain on the main square of Friesach is known for its beauty and is a magnet for tourists. It is one of the largest fountains in Carinthia. It was commissioned by Leonhard II von Keutschach (the nephew of the Archbishop of Salzburg) for the courtyard of Tanzenberg Castle in Sankt Veit an der Glan. The fountain was built in 1563 CE.
It was bought by the town’s pharmacist (Mag. Anton Baumer) and transported to Friesach on ox carts, in 1802. It served its purpose as a utility fountain until 1927. It was then recognised as a valuable work of art. The fountain was restored to become one of the main attractions in Friesach.
Description of the Fountain
The fountain has three tiers:
– the bottom tier is the octagonal basin
– the middle tier is the larger fountain bowl
– the top tier is the smaller fountain bowl.
The unusual iconographic design of the octagonal basin is fascinating. The scenes come from Greco-Roman mythology. The figures in the reliefs are related to the element of water.
Three tritons stand in the basin (bottom tier) with their backs to each other. They hold the larger fountain bowl (middle tier) which is decorated with four bearded faces and the Friesach coat of arms (added in 1804). Four putti-like figures stand in the larger fountain bowl and hold a smaller fountain bowl (top tier) in their hands.
A bronze group decorates the top of the fountain. The sea god Poseidon with his trident is at the apex. Also in bronze are four putti-like dancing figures, griffin heads (as outlets) and dolphins (as tap handles).
Labelled Image
Image Gallery 1
Reliefs on the Octagonal Basin
Map: 1A
Stations: 1A | 1B | 8 | 9 | 17C | 25 | 28A
Station 1A | Renaissance Fountain
Station 1B | Main Square
Station 8 | Town’s Parish Church
Station 9 | Narrensteig (Jester’s Path)
Station 17C | Wiener Straße
Station 25 | Bahnhofstraße
Station 28A | Herrengasse