Cholerabrunnen, Gothic Revival fountain in Dresden, Germany

The Cholerabrunnen is a Neo-Gothic fountain on Sophienstraße, between the Zwinger and the Taschenbergpalais. Its octagonal granite basin, about 6.76 metres across, holds a sandstone pinnacle topped by a large finial cross. Two storeys with ten tall narrow windows, slender columns and pointed arches make it resemble a miniature church.

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 fountain is Dresden's most ornament-rich, with numerous decorations, ornaments and animal figures. Its design, with figures and Bible quotes, makes it resemble a miniature church. Gutschmid chose the quotes himself from Psalm 91 to express gratitude for the city's preservation.