“Imagine a fountain not just as a decoration, but as a reminder of a city’s resilience.” That’s what the Hamburg-Mannheimer-Brunnen represents.
We stand before the Hamburg-Mannheimer-Brunnen. This fountain serves as a cultural monument, a place to remember Hamburg’s history. But what story does this place tell?
Originally, the fountain was supposed to celebrate Hamburg’s sea trade featuring the god Mercury. But the devastating cholera epidemic of 1892 changed those plans. Over 8,000 Hamburgers died during that tragic time. As a result, the city decided to dedicate the fountain to Hygieia. She is the Greek goddess of health. She is also the namesake of hygiene.
The Hamburg-Mannheimer-Brunnen has three levels. At the top, a bronze bowl overflows with water. This water then cascades into a ring-shaped basin below. From there, the water gurgles through spouts into a lower basin.
At the heart of the fountain above the top bowl stands a bronze statue of Hygieia. She holds a bowl. When the fountain is running, water spills from her bowl into the bowl below. At the goddess’s feet, you’ll notice a dragon. The dragon symbolizes the defeat of cholera.
Around the middle basin are six bronze figures that look like they are sitting. Their feet are almost in the water of the lower basin. Each figure symbolizes how water can be useful.
There is a man with a ship. Also there is a woman with a wreath. Next, a man holds a fish. A woman carries a jug. A faun holds a shell. And lastly, a woman looks into a mirror.
The Hamburg-Mannheimer-Brunnen has another function beyond its beauty. At its base are arched openings with decorative grates. These openings pull in air. The air is used to cool the Hamburg Rathaus’s interior. The moving fountain water helps cool the air.
So, next time you see the Hamburg-Mannheimer-Brunnen, remember its history. It is more than just a fountain. It represents Hamburg’s strength. It also stands as a reminder of the importance of public health.