Fastnachtsbrunnen, Bronze fountain at Schillerplatz, Germany
The Fastnachtsbrunnen is a nine-meter-tall bronze sculpture on Schillerplatz featuring more than 200 carefully crafted figures. The depictions include carnival characters, mythological creatures, and local personalities arranged in different scenes and poses.
The city commissioned this fountain in 1963 following the extensive destruction from wartime. It was unveiled in 1967 as an artistic contribution to renew the urban landscape and reflect local culture.
The fountain displays carnival figures like Till Eulenspiegel and the city goddess Moguntia, characters deeply rooted in local traditions and Mainz's sense of identity. These figures embody stories and customs that give visitors insight into what the city values and celebrates.
The fountain is wheelchair accessible and surrounded by benches for resting while viewing it. The surrounding plaza provides ample space to observe the details from multiple angles.
One striking figure depicts a man riding backward on a donkey, referencing medieval punishment traditions. This detail shows how men were publicly shamed in historical practice when their wives hit them.
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