Imagine musical notes dancing in the air. They swirl around the Burgplatz, leading you to the Rathausbrunnen. This fountain isn’t just a decoration. It’s a story etched in stone and bronze.
The Rathausbrunnen stands proudly before the Ratskeller entrance. It marks the third anniversary of the New Town Hall’s inauguration. That was back on October 7, 1905. The fountain’s official opening took place in 1908.
Citizens of Leipzig funded this artistic creation. Georg Wrba, a sculptor from Dresden, designed the Rathausbrunnen. Its octagonal basin is made of shell limestone.
At the Rathausbrunnen’s center, a round column rises. The column features a unique “fairy tale wreath”. This wreath showcases small figures from beloved German fairy tales.
Look closely at the top of the column. A bronze figure group captures your attention. A young man plays his flute. Two boys play at his feet. This scene evokes the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Therefore, some locals call it the Pied Piper Fountain.
The Rathausbrunnen is more than just an artistic expression. It’s a memorial. Medallions honor significant figures in Leipzig’s history. You’ll find portraits of two Leipzig mayors. Otto Georgi laid the New Town Hall’s foundation. Carl Bruno Tröndlin opened the New Town Hall. Hugo Licht, the New Town Hall’s architect, is also featured.
A bronze plaque on the back declares its purpose. It reads: “In memory of the inauguration of the New Town Hall on 7 October 1905.”
The Rathausbrunnen faced a five-year pause. But it was fully renovated. It has been working again since 1999.
The Rathausbrunnen is known for its fairy tale figures. They depict characters from German folklore. They surround the central column. These figures are part of the “Märchenkranz,” or fairy tale wreath.
The Rathausbrunnen’s central figure, the flute-playing youth, reminds everyone of the Pied Piper. The legend tells the story of a piper. He led the children out of Hamelin.
Pause a moment. Reflect on the blend of history, art, and folklore. The Rathausbrunnen embodies Leipzig’s spirit. It links the city’s past with its present.