Fontaine Sainte-Marie
Fontaine Sainte-Marie is a stone fountain in central Rouen on the Esplanade Marcel Duchamp that was built in the late 1800s. The monument features sculptural figures representing local rivers and farming life, with an underground reservoir that originally supplied water to the city.
The fountain was inaugurated in 1879 following a design competition and combined artistic sculpture with underground water storage for the city. Lighting systems evolved from gas lamps to electricity in 1919, and the monument underwent major restorations in 1914 and 1983.
The fountain is named after Saint Mary and reflects how the city valued water as both a practical and civic resource. It remains a gathering spot where locals and visitors pause to appreciate the craftsmanship and the public space it creates.
The fountain is easily reached by public transport, with the Beauvoisine metro station and several bus lines nearby. It is well-positioned for a stop during a walk through the historic center, especially when exploring other nearby monuments and museums.
The fountain was designed following a city design competition, with sculptors Alexandre Falguière and Edouard de Perthes creating figures representing local rivers, farming activities, and regional animals. The artwork tells the story of Rouen's agricultural heritage and connection to its surrounding waterways.
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