Pferdeschwemme, Baroque horse fountain in Altstadt, Austria
The Pferdeschwemme is a Baroque fountain in Salzburg's Old Town featuring a central statue of a horse tamer. A basin surrounds the figure, and the back wall displays decorative frescoes showing equestrian scenes.
The fountain was designed in 1695 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and originally served as a washing and grooming station for the prince-archbishops' parade horses. It underwent renovations in later centuries that altered its appearance and orientation.
The horse tamer statue reflects the nobility's deep connection to riding and horsemanship, visible in the careful details of the sculpture itself. The wall behind shows painted scenes of riders and horses, telling stories of daily life with these animals.
The fountain sits on Herbert von Karajan Square near the Festival Halls and remains accessible year-round for those exploring Salzburg's historic center. As a public monument, it can be viewed freely from outside.
During renovations ordered by Prince Archbishop Firmian, the entire fountain was rotated 90 degrees and his coat of arms along with a commemorative inscription were added. This change transformed the monument into a display of authority and ownership.
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