Kohl's Fountain, Renaissance fountain in Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Kohlbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain in the second courtyard of Prague Castle featuring four ancient gods supporting the lower basin: Mercury, Vulcan, Neptune, and Hercules. Two Tritons hold the upper section, while three stone lions support a sphere topped by a copper eagle.
The fountain was built in 1686 by Hieronymus Kohl and Francesco della Torre as part of imperial improvements to the castle. The original eagle crowning the structure was removed during restoration in 2020 and replaced with a copper replica to preserve it.
The fountain is named after Hieronymus Kohl, the master craftsman who created it, and the mythological figures reflect the Renaissance fascination with classical gods and imperial power. Visitors can see how this blend of art and mythology shaped the identity of Prague Castle during that era.
The fountain sits in the second courtyard and is straightforward to reach by following the main pathways through the castle. Water flows from the Brusnice stream fed by a pond near Hvězda summer palace, so the fountain typically runs throughout the year and is easily visible.
The fountain's name is often mistaken to mean 'coal', but it actually comes from master craftsman Hieronymus Kohl who designed it. Many visitors overlook the imperial monogram L carved into the stonework, which honors Emperor Leopold I and his role in advancing the castle's artistic vision during the late 1600s.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
