Two figures frozen in time. A grandfather and his mischievous grandson. This is the Hänneschen Brunnen. Right here in Cologne’s Südstadt.
The Hänneschen Brunnen is more than just a fountain. It’s a cherished piece of Cologne’s history. Sculpted in 1914 by Simon Kirschbaum from shell limestone it stands about four meters tall. It’s a testament to the city’s rich theatrical heritage. Specifically to the Hänneschen Theatre.
The fountain is dedicated to Magdalena Klotz. She was the granddaughter of Christoph Winters. Winters founded the famous Hänneschen Theatre in 1802. The theatre is known for its traditional hand puppets. The plays are set in Knollendorf. Knollendorf is a fictional village outside Cologne. The characters embody typical Cologne personalities. Think Tünnes and Schäl or Hänneschen and Bärbelchen.
The Brunnen’s figures perfectly capture these personalities. There’s Besteva. He’s the kindly grandfather. He’s depicted in baroque clothing holding an umbrella and a sack. Then there’s Hänneschen. He stands beside Besteva. Hänneschen wears his signature cap. His hands are casually in his pockets. These puppets aren’t just characters. They represent a piece of Cologne’s soul.
Originally the fountain had a pump. Water was pumped into the basin using a handle on the back. Today it’s sadly a still fountain. Yet it continues to charm visitors. It shows the importance of preserving our heritage.
The Hänneschen Brunnen sits almost forgotten. It sits in relative quiet on Im Dau Street. The fountain is near the Narrenschiff fountain. The fountain’s relative obscurity is a shame. It deserves more recognition. It’s a small but significant treasure. It tells a story about Cologne’s heart. The fountain shows the enduring charm of this city.
So take a moment. Appreciate the artistry. Consider the history. Remember Magdalena Klotz and Christoph Winters. Remember the beloved Hänneschen and Besteva. Let this little fountain remind you. Remind you of Cologne’s unique spirit. This little fountain is a valuable reminder of the past. It’s a precious piece of Cologne. A precious piece of history. It’s a piece of Cologne’s soul.