Four Steles in the Lotus Fountain a timeless abstract monument. That’s what they call it now. But this spot in Freiburg’s heart has seen much change.
The Vier Stelen im Lotusbrunnen stands proudly where once stood other fountains. Its history is a story of destruction and rebirth. A story etched in stone and water.
Before this modern abstract monument stood the Zähringer-Brunnen. A beautiful fountain commemorating the Zähringen dukes. The founders of Freiburg. It too was lost to the ravages of World War II. A devastating bombing raid obliterated it completely. The city refused a replica. They opted for a design more suited to the time.
The Bertoldsbrunnen the predecessor to the Zähringer-Brunnen suffered a similar fate. Before it a fish fountain graced this important crossroads since 1483. It stood as a symbol of Freiburg’s market power. It too was destroyed during the war. A replica now stands near the Münsterplatz.
The current Vier Stelen im Lotusbrunnen is the result of a collective decision. A desire for a timeless piece. A monument to the Zähringen dukes. The founders and rulers of Freiburg. Designed by Nikolaus Röslmeir it emerged from the rubble. It stands as a symbol of resilience.
This four-meter-high limestone pedestal rises from a shallow pool. Its abstract rider evokes the past. The inscription reads “To the Dukes of Zähringen founders and lords of Freiburg im Breisgau”. A simple testament to history’s enduring presence.
The fountain has moved. Originally located on a traffic island it now rests at the center of the intersection. Accessible to all it serves as a quiet spot for reflection. A place where the echoes of history mingle with the rhythm of modern Freiburg.
The Vier Stelen im Lotusbrunnen is more than just a fountain. It is a testament to Freiburg’s past. Its struggles and its triumphs. It is a modern sculpture holding centuries of history. The water quietly reflects Freiburg’s spirit. A spirit of endurance and renewal. A spirit that continues to shape this beautiful city.