“Did you know the Saxoniabrunnen was almost lost forever?” I ask. The Saxoniabrunnen stands before you. Its beauty is undeniable. But its story is one of loss and rebirth.
Originally unveiled on July 9 1893 the Saxoniabrunnen graced Chemnitz’s Rossmarkt. It was a celebration of the city’s industry and commerce. The Saxonia figure a protector of these endeavors stood tall. Two bronze figures a spinner and a smith represented Chemnitz’s textile and machine-building industries. The Saxoniabrunnen’s base was three-tiered. The upper part was made of red Swedish Virbo granite. The top plate was Finnish Balmoral Red.
Sadly World War II brought tragedy. In 1941 the bronze figures were sacrificed. They were melted down for the war effort. This resulted in a loss of 2410 kilograms of bronze. Only the stone elements remained. They were stored. The Saxoniabrunnen seemed lost to history.
However hope remained. In 2011 investor Claus Kellnberger funded a restoration. The Saxoniabrunnen was rebuilt. The missing bronze figures were painstakingly recreated. Polish artists Agnieszka Piechnik and Przemek Wolny used old photos as guides. The new Saxonia is smaller than the original. A large Saxon coat of arms is missing. The two-tiered base was simplified to a single tier. A fence that previously surrounded the fountain was removed. Now you can touch the Saxoniabrunnen directly.
On July 11 2013 the restored Saxoniabrunnen was unveiled. It now sits on Chemnitz’s redesigned Johannisplatz. The Saxoniabrunnen stands as a testament to the city’s resilience. It is a symbol of hope. It represents a remarkable journey of loss and renewal. It’s a beautiful reminder of Chemnitz’s rich industrial past. It remains a cherished landmark.