Fontaine des Innocents, Renaissance fountain in Les Halles, France.
Description
The Fontaine des Innocents is a square pavilion with a cupola roof located on a public plaza in central Paris. Water flows through multiple stacked basins and is framed by four decorated facades that feature carved reliefs.
History
The structure was built between 1547 and 1550 and marked King Henry II's ceremonial entry into Paris. Originally it stood next to a cemetery and had only three sides until it was later moved and completed with a fourth side.
Culture
The fountain displays finely carved sculptures of nymphs and classical motifs that reflect the artistic vision of the French Renaissance in the 16th century. These figures show how artists of that time admired ancient art and combined water with stone in imaginative ways.
Practical
The fountain is located on Place Joachim du Bellay and is easily reached via the Halles-Châtelet Metro station, which connects several lines. The plaza is in central Paris near many other sites and is easily accessible on foot.
Did you know?
The structure originally had only three sides and gained its fourth facade in 1788 when sculptor Augustin Pajou added matching decorative elements. This expansion was a careful adaptation that preserved the original artistic balance.
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