Schönbornbrunnen

What secrets does this imposing fountain hold? This, my friends, is the Schönbornbrunnen. It’s more than just a source of water. It’s a testament to Würzburg’s rich history. The Schönbornbrunnen stands proudly in the Klein-Nizza section of the Ringpark. This park itself has a story. It emerged in 1878 as the city’s fortifications were dismantled, rendering the old city gates obsolete. One such gate, the Pleicher Tor, met its end in 1880. Yet, a piece of it lives on. The Schönborn coat of arms, flanked by two lions, originally adorned the Pleicher Tor’s gable. Created in 1659 by Johann Philipp Preuß, these artistic treasures were first preserved in the Husarenwäldchen. Later, they found their new home here, integrated into the impressive Schönbornbrunnen. Look closely at the fountain. You’ll see the grand sandstone coat of arms of Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp von Schönborn, who ruled Würzburg from 1642 to 1673. This powerful emblem, carved from dark red sandstone, sits atop a truncated pyramid of limestone and is crowned with the ducal hat of the Duchy of Franconia. The coat of arms is a history lesson in itself. The first and fourth fields display the six-spoked wheel of the Archbishopric of Mainz. The second field features the Franconian rake, representing the Duchy of Franconia. The third field shows the storm banner of the Bishopric of Würzburg. At the heart of it all, in the central shield, the golden lion of the Counts of Schönborn strides over three ascending silver peaks. The Schönbornbrunnen is a symbol of power, history, and artistic skill. It reminds us that even in destruction, beauty can be preserved and given new life. It serves as a tangible link to Würzburg’s past, whispering stories of bishops, dukes, and the changing fortunes of a city.