Hexenbrunnen

What would you say if I told you that this unassuming fountain bears witness to a dark chapter in Augsburg’s history? This is the Hexenbrunnen, a name that sends shivers down the spines of those who know its story. Erected in 1959, the Hexenbrunnen features a wooden witch, carved by Josef Wallner. She sits hunched, almost malevolent, behind a protective metal grate, a reminder of the persecution she symbolizes. You see, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Augsburg, like many European cities, was gripped by the fear of witchcraft. Women accused of this were led along the city walls, their supposed crimes a threat to the very fabric of society. Their destination? The stake, where they would be burned alive. But tradition dictated a final act of mercy. A last drink of water from a fountain, a moment of peace before the flames consumed them. The Hexenbrunnen, it is said, stands on the spot where those women took their final, thirst-quenching sips. This fountain, with its whimsical witch, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can grip the human heart, and the importance of remembering the past, even its most uncomfortable chapters.