Zurich’s secret is out. It is a city of hidden gems. Today, we discover the Tigerbrunnen.
The Tigerbrunnen stands as a testament to Zurich’s rich history. It is more than just a drinking fountain. It is a symbol of the city’s past. It provides refreshing Leitungswasser.
This stone fountain welcomes everyone. Even dogs can quench their thirst here. It is maintained by WVZ. Its reference number is 352.
But the Tigerbrunnen is more than its practical uses. It embodies the spirit of Zurich. The city is known for its numerous public fountains. Zurich boasts over 1200 fountains. They provide accessible drinking water.
The Froschauerbrunnen shares some of this history. It features a boy riding a frog. The frog refers to Christoph Froschauer. He was a printer in the 16th century. He printed the Zwingli Bible. His printing house later became Orell-Füssli. They also print Switzerland’s banknotes.
The Froschauerbrunnen’s history is complex. Its central column was built in 1585 by Balthasar Bingiser. He was commissioned by Froschauer’s nephew. The printing house was then in the Convent of St Verena. It is now the Frosch Cinema.
Bingiser’s name has variations. He is also known as Bingesser or Balthasar Steinmann. Records suggest he was born in St Gallen in 1550. He likely died there around 1610 or 1615.
The Froschauer signet was added between 1585 and 1837. In the late 1950s, the fountain was rebuilt. Otto Münch sculpted a new copy of the signet.
The column is made of yellow limestone from Neuchâtel. This stone is over 130 million years old. The basin is made from limestone from Solothurn. It is 145 million years old.
Like the Froschauerbrunnen, the Tigerbrunnen stands as a recognizable symbol of Zurich. It has been moved and remade. But its essence remains. It is a part of the city’s interface. It impacts how people experience life.
There are shops near the Tigerbrunnen. Tiger-Fink is in Zurich’s Seefeld quarter. It sells baby toys and treasures. They also sell Tiger-Finken slippers. These leopard-print slippers with red pompoms were first made in Zurich in 1938. They are still popular.
The Tigerbrunnen may not have such a detailed history. Yet, it plays a role in Zurich’s story. It is a place where people gather. They refresh themselves. They connect with the city’s past.
So, as you stand before the Tigerbrunnen, take a moment. Appreciate its simple beauty. Consider its place in Zurich’s long history. Let the water refresh you. Let the spirit of Zurich invigorate you. The Tigerbrunnen is a piece of Zurich’s soul.