Lachhannes

Across the verdant expanse of Frankfurt’s Wallanlagen, nestled amongst the foliage, sits the Lachhannes fountain. A mischievous bronze bust, crowned with a small hat and a collar of vine leaves, greets you. This isn’t just any fountain; Lachhannes holds a unique place in Frankfurt’s history. He represents a time when Frankfurt, a bustling hub of commerce and culture, was also a city of wine. The Lachhannes, or “Laughing Hannes,” is a late classicist pump fountain. It was created in 1859 by Johann Nepomuk Zwerger. The bust, perched atop a sandstone column, depicts a winegrower, or perhaps a wine taster, with a playful grin. The inscription beneath reads, “Gesegnet soll der Trunk uns sein: Das Wasser Euch und mir der Wein,” which translates to “Blessed shall our drink be: Water for you and wine for me.” While Frankfurt is now better known as Germany’s financial center, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling business district, Lachhannes serves as a reminder of its rich agricultural past. Imagine Frankfurt in the 19th century, a time when vineyards flourished within the city limits. The nearby Lohrberg, Frankfurt’s only vineyard, still produces wine today. This tradition, though less prominent, links back to the days when the Lachhannes was a fully functioning fountain, providing water to the city’s inhabitants. Sadly, the fountain is no longer operational. Yet, Lachhannes continues to watch over the Wallanlagen, a silent witness to the changing face of Frankfurt. He embodies the spirit of a city that, while embracing modernity, still cherishes its historical roots. So, as you admire Lachhannes’s playful grin, remember the history he embodies. It’s a history of wine, laughter, and the enduring spirit of Frankfurt am Main.