“Germany’s most beautiful Rococo fountain” is quite a compliment. But it may well be true. We are standing in front of the Sankt Georgsbrunnen. It graces Trier’s Kornmarkt in the Mitte/Gartenfeld district.
The Sankt Georgsbrunnen was built from 1750 to 1751. Johannes Seiz designed it. He was the court architect. He also built the Electoral Palace. The Sankt Georgsbrunnen honors Elector Franz Georg von Schönborn. It features depictions of the seasons and Saint George. That explains the name Sankt Georgsbrunnen.
Originally, the Sankt Georgsbrunnen and the Petrusbrunnen on the Hauptmarkt got water from the Heiligkreuzer Daufborn. Today, it is known as Herrenbrünnchen. The top of the Sankt Georgsbrunnen reaches about eleven meters.
Look closely! Notice the many empty cartouches on the Sankt Georgsbrunnen? They likely held painted coats of arms of Trier’s aldermen. An iron grid once surrounded the Sankt Georgsbrunnen. This prevented the water from getting dirty. It was removed in the early 20th century.
Originally, the Sankt Georgsbrunnen stood further east on the square. It was in front of the old town hall. The old town hall was destroyed in World War II. The Sankt Georgsbrunnen was also badly damaged by air raids. Rebuilding it after the war was complex. Large parts of the Sankt Georgsbrunnen had to be reconstructed. The Sankt Georgsbrunnen was then moved to its current location.
The Kornmarkt was renovated in 2003. At this time the Sankt Georgsbrunnen was also restored. There was some thought given to moving the Sankt Georgsbrunnen back to its original location. It was decided against. The modern post-war buildings around the old location would not have shown the Sankt Georgsbrunnen to its best advantage. Also, money was an issue.
Today, the Sankt Georgsbrunnen is easily accessible. Nearby parks and cafes offer places to rest. Artists and photographers often visit. They are drawn to its picturesque charm. The Sankt Georgsbrunnen and Trier’s historic architecture make a great backdrop.
Visiting the Sankt Georgsbrunnen in the morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography. Take a moment to relax on the nearby benches. Enjoy the ambiance. Combine your visit with a walking tour of Trier’s historical sites.