Was it fortune that brought you here to Freiberg? Here stands the Fortuna-Brunnen. It is a striking fountain in Petersstraße. Look around. The Fortuna-Brunnen graces the city, near Petrikirche and Alte Mensa.
Let’s dive into the story of this beautiful fountain. It was created for Freiberg’s 800th anniversary in 1986. Bernd Göbel, a local artist, designed this bronze masterpiece. Göbel taught at Burg Giebichenstein Art School in Halle.
The Fortuna-Brunnen tells Freiberg’s story. Fortuna herself bends the city’s tree of life. Freiberg enjoyed prosperity thanks to silver mining and its scientific institutions. The city gained wealth and international fame. It was not destroyed after the 17th century.
The tree shows Markgraf Otto von Wettin. He was the city’s founder and holds out his hand. Next to him is his son, Dittrich der Bedrängte. He was a crusader from the 12th century. Dittrich learned about fortifications in the Orient. He points to the city wall he designed.
See the crystal-like deposits? They symbolize the city’s rich ore. Dittrich von Freiberg, the city’s first scientist, is also there. He studied at the Sorbonne University in the 14th century. He discovered how light creates colors in rainbows. He holds a torch to light the Middle Ages’ darkness. A dog bites the torch. This represents the Dominican monks of Freiberg. They were known as the “Hounds of the Lord.” They suppressed scientific progress.
Turn around and look at the back of the Fortuna-Brunnen. You can see a trio of important figures. They are Oberberghauptmann August von Herder, Clemens Winkler, and Abraham Gottlob Werner. Herder designed the Rotschönberger Stollen. It drains the “Reiche Zeche” mining research site. Clemens Winkler discovered the element Germanium. He confirmed Mendeleev’s periodic table. Some accused him of vanity. That explains his casual pose on the fountain. Abraham Gottlob Werner founded mineralogy. He was a famous professor at the Freiberg Mining Academy. His students included Alexander von Humboldt and Novalis.
You can also spot Gottfried Silbermann, Ulrich Rüchlein von Calw, and Hans Witten. Interestingly, Fortuna’s face is modeled after Göbel’s wife. A putto listens to Fortuna’s words. Locals say that passing the Fortuna-Brunnen brings good luck for a day.
In 2018, the Fortuna-Brunnen was restored. It continues to inspire locals and visitors. The goddess of fortune pours happiness from her cornucopia. She seems to be in thoughtful conversation with the child. It conveys hope and translates Freiberg’s history into art.
The Fortuna-Brunnen combines tradition and modernity. It is a focal point of Freiberg. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and history. May your visit bring you good fortune.