Hygieia-Fountain, 19th-century fountain in Rathaus courtyard, Hamburg, Germany.
The Hygieia Fountain is a three-tiered fountain in the courtyard of Hamburg City Hall with water cascading from bronze spouts into lower basins in a circular arrangement. The water falls gently in stages, creating a gentle water display within the courtyard space.
Joseph von Kramer created this fountain between 1895 and 1896 in response to the devastating cholera epidemic of 1892 that struck the city. The work was made during a time of hope for progress and better health conditions.
The central bronze statue shows Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, holding a water bowl above a dragon that symbolizes victory over illness. The figure stands at the heart of the courtyard and many visitors see it as a symbol of protection and well-being.
The fountain sits in the City Hall courtyard, and visitors can reach it through the building's side entrances. It helps to check the City Hall's opening hours, as access to the courtyard is tied to these times.
The base of the fountain contains arched openings that serve as ventilation channels for City Hall and use the water for cooling effects. This dual function shows how the fountain was integrated into the building's practical infrastructure.
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