Is it just me or does the water feature of the Brunnenschale possess a unique charm? The Brunnenschale, an artwork in Augsburg, may not have the historical depth of some nearby monuments. However, it still has its own story to tell.
Augsburg is known for its abundance of water. The splashing sound of fountains fills the city. Visitors find numerous fountains that remind them that the cool water is really drinking water.
The Augustus Fountain on Rathausplatz points to Augsburg’s past as a Roman settlement. The Brunnenschale adds to this tradition of water features. It was created in 1978 by Herbert Peters. The Brunnenschale uses granite as its main material.
Augsburg’s citizens understood how to make use of water. Craftsmen used water mills to generate energy. Water supplied drinking water and aided food processing.
Augsburg has a long history revolving around water. A central component is the waterworks at the Red Gate. It is a 15th-century building complex with a viaduct. It also includes three water towers and two houses for fountain masters. For almost 500 years, the complex supplied Augsburg with drinking water.
The Romans built the city center on a hill to avoid flooding. Drinking water had to overcome a difference in altitude. The flow velocity of the Lech brought drinking water into the towers. From there, pipes led the water down to the city’s public wells.
In 1580, Michel de Montaigne remarked that Augsburg was “richly blessed with public fountains.” Augsburg’s water management system is an exceptional structure. It documents the development of an urban water management system.
Water remains a vital issue for people all over the world. The Brunnenschale, while a modern addition, fits into this narrative. It is a reminder of Augsburg’s historical and ongoing relationship with water. So, while admiring the Augustus Fountain, remember the Brunnenschale. It is a modern echo of Augsburg’s water-rich heritage.