Cholerabrunnen, Gothic Revival fountain in Dresden, Germany
The Cholerabrunnen is a water fountain featuring an octagonal granite basin with a central spire topped by a sandstone cross. The structure rises prominently at the intersection where two streets meet in central Dresden's historic quarter.
Freiherr Eugen von Gutschmid commissioned this fountain between 1842 and 1846 to commemorate Dresden's escape from a devastating cholera outbreak. The original design came from Gottfried Semper, one of the city's most influential architects.
Four religious figures stand at the cardinal points: Wittekind, Bonifatius, John the Baptist, and Elisabeth of Thuringia. Each figure displays biblical inscriptions that reveal themselves as you walk around the fountain.
The fountain stands at the intersection of Sophienstrasse and Kleine Brüderstrasse near the Taschenbergpalais in central Dresden. It is easily accessible on foot and offers a calm spot to pause while exploring the historic old town.
The structure underwent complete reconstruction in 1892 by sculptor Franz Schwarz due to material deterioration over the decades. The rebuild faithfully preserved Semper's original design, ensuring the historical appearance remained intact for future generations.
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