Pause for a moment and consider how Vienna once cared for its working animals at the Tiertränkebrunnen. This animal drinking fountain stands as a testament to a time when horses, dogs, and even birds relied on public troughs for refreshment. I will tell you about the Tiertränkebrunnen now.
The Tiertränkebrunnen is located at Johanna-Dohnal-Platz near Gumpendorfer Straße. It sits close to the Rahlstiege in Vienna’s 6th district, Mariahilf. The Tiertränkebrunnen is not just a fountain. It is a protected monument.
The Tiertränkebrunnen was created by Adolf Stöckl and Josef Thorak. The opera singer Hedwig Francillo-Kauffmann and other animal lovers funded the project. The Tiertränkebrunnen was unveiled on July 22, 1916.
Originally, the Tiertränkebrunnen was located behind the Vienna Secession. In 1968, it was moved to its current location. This location is known as Papiermacherplatzl.
The Tiertränkebrunnen has a three-part structure. The uppermost basin serves as a birdbath. The middle section is for horses. The four lowest basins are for dogs. The Tiertränkebrunnen shows the singer leaning against a horse’s head. Hedwig Francillo-Kauffmann is forever immortalized in this touching scene.
Think about the horses. They would have gratefully drunk from the middle trough after pulling heavy carts. Imagine the dogs lapping up water from the lower bowls. Even the birds found respite in the highest basin. The Tiertränkebrunnen offered a vital service. It provided essential refreshment to animals in the city.
The Tiertränkebrunnen reminds us of Vienna’s past. It illustrates a commitment to animal welfare. It is a quiet spot amid the urban hustle. So next time you pass by, remember the animals. Remember Hedwig Francillo-Kauffmann. Remember the Tiertränkebrunnen’s purpose. It served as a place of rest and refreshment for Vienna’s working animals.