Hochstrahlbrunnen, Historic fountain in Schwarzenbergplatz, Vienna, Austria
The Hochstrahlbrunnen is a historic fountain in Schwarzenbergplatz featuring water jets of varying heights that spray upward from the ground. The structure includes three hundred sixty-five small jets along with larger ones arranged in a circular basin.
The fountain was completed in 1873 to mark the opening of Vienna's first mountain spring water pipeline system designed by architect Johann A. Laschensky. This project represented a major advancement in bringing fresh water from distant sources into the city.
The fountain serves as a meeting spot in Schwarzenbergplatz where people gather to rest and watch the water displays. Over time it has become a familiar landmark that marks an important junction in the city's layout.
The fountain is located on Schwarzenbergplatz, a large open square easily accessible from surrounding streets. Visit in late afternoon or early evening when the original 1906 lighting system is activated and creates a more dramatic display.
The fountain's water jet system was designed so that different spray patterns represent specific time measurements. If you watch the activation sequence closely, you can see how individual jets symbolize hours, days, weeks, and months in the year.
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