Behold the Chronos-Brunnen a testament to Würzburg’s rich history. This isn’t just any fountain. It’s a time capsule a story etched in stone.
The Chronos-Brunnen also known as the Moenusbrunnen stands proudly on Hofstrasse before the Bechtolsheimer Hof. Imagine its creation between 1770 and 1772. Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim commissioned this masterpiece replacing a simpler well. It began as a pump fountain but now flows freely.
Its name speaks volumes. Chronos the Greek god of time is depicted above. Don’t confuse him with Kronos Zeus’s father. Moenus the Latin name for the Main River also represents the river god the “Father Main”.
The design is exquisite. Master mason Johann Vornkeller brought the vision to life based on plans by Brunnenbaumeister Timmler. Red and green sandstone form its elegant structure a columned base of red sandstone supporting the figures above. The original sculptures were the work of court sculptor Johann Peter Wagner a busy man also creating works for the Würzburg Residence and gardens.
A colossal figure of Chronos stands with wings outstretched pointing towards the Residence. Clio the Muse of History kneels beside him seemingly recording its grandeur. The group was carved from a massive 165 x 270 x 120 cm sand stone block weighing 150 hundredweight. Twenty horses hauled this stone from a quarry in Abtswind a journey that would have been both arduous and impressive to witness.
Below the figures sits the Würzburg coat of arms in red and gold framed by ornate amphorae or vases entwined with garlands. In a grotto niche above the shell-like basin of Muschelkalk Moenus the river god holds a jug from which Main water seems to spring. Grapes fish and an oak branch symbolize the region’s bounty. Moenus also appears in the Kaisersaal of the Residence.
The figures were initially painted white with gold accents for a porcelain-like effect. Sadly time took its toll. In 1872 Michael Arnold restored it. He replaced Moenus in a romantic style. Wagner’s original Moenus now resides at Herrnsheim Castle. For a long time it was thought to be an allegory of the Rhine River. The truth was only revealed during the year 2000 restoration. The Chronos-Clio group was also renewed in 1890 a copy in Kelheimer marble. The original is lost.
Extensive renovations occurred in 2012 thanks to donations and a large contribution from the Sparkassenstiftung. The restoration cost approximately 39000 euros a significant investment. However a small error was made. The coat of arms was initially painted in the colors of the Würzburg racing pennant not the correct city coat of arms. The mistake was eventually corrected. The Verschönerungsverein Würzburg e V maintains the fountain at an annual cost of about 3000 euros. In early 2014 surrounding trees were removed. Two Paulownia trees were planted in their place.
So here you stand before the Chronos-Brunnen. Marvel at its beauty its story and the passage of time it embodies. A true treasure of Würzburg.