Parnas fountain, Baroque fountain in Zelny trh, Brno, Czech Republic
The Parnas fountain sits in Zelny trh, a market square in Brno's old town, and is a baroque structure carved from stone with intricate details. At its center stands a statue of Apollo, surrounded by many mythological figures from which water flows through multiple spouts into basins below.
The fountain was built between 1863 and 1865 under the direction of architect Franz Špilar and served as a vital water source for the growing city. It was created during a period when Brno was expanding and such public structures helped shape the urban landscape.
The fountain takes its name from Mount Parnassus in Greek mythology, a place associated with artistic inspiration. The carved figures surrounding it show how water and creative expression connect, still drawing people who pass through the old square.
The fountain stands in the center of the market square and is easy to find when exploring the old town. Water flows year-round, and the spouts are straightforward to use.
Each figure on the fountain represents a different deity or classical element, together forming a complete mythological narrative in stone. Visitors often overlook that this carved collection is not just decoration, but also shows how people in the 19th century understood and revered the ancient world.
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