Fontainen-Obelisk, Water well and architectural heritage monument in Markt street, Bonn-Zentrum, Germany.
The Fontainen-Obelisk is a tall monument with a water basin at its base, rising from the Markt square in central Bonn. The structure features carved inscriptions on its sides and displays architectural details that give it its distinctive appearance.
The monument was built in 1777 under Elector Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels to mark the relationship between the ruler and the city. During the French occupation under Napoleon, soldiers removed decorative elements from its top.
The inscriptions blend Latin and German, showing the bond between the Elector and Bonn's people who raised money through local contributions. Citizens expressed their feelings toward their ruler and their city through these carved words.
The monument stands directly in front of the Old Town Hall on the central market square and serves as a clear reference point for navigation. The location is easily accessible on foot and fits naturally into a walk through the historic center and surrounding streets.
The inscription carries a hidden message from the citizens to the Elector, expressing their demands and voice in the city's governance. This critical stance was remarkably bold for a work built to honor the ruler.
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