Friedensbrunnen, Water well in Dresden, Germany
Friedensbrunnen is an octagonal sandstone fountain on Jüdenhof in Dresden's Altstadt, in front of the Johanneum. Its basin measures 4.5 by 4.5 metres and is 1.4 metres deep, with eight sides decorated by three eight-rayed rosettes. An octagonal column rises from the centre, topped by a statue of Bellona, and a mask on the column spouts water.
The well was built in 1616 and served for centuries as a water source for Dresden residents. It played an important role in daily urban life at a time when public fountains were essential infrastructure.
The fountain's Latin inscription, added in 1650, reads "Pacem qui amas lege" (you who love peace, read) and declares that Eirene, goddess of peace, defeated Mars and opened this peaceful spring. After the 1683 victory over the Turks at Kahlenberg, the Eirene statue was replaced by Bellona, and the fountain became known as Türkenbrunnen (Turks' Fountain).
The well is located in central Dresden and is easy to reach on foot while exploring the old town. Visitors can view the structure from the outside, and the spot remains accessible throughout the year with little interruption.
The fountain's octagonal basin measures 4.5 by 4.5 metres and is 1.4 metres deep, with three eight-rayed rosettes carved on each of its eight sides. A granite surround frames the basin, and a drain pipe at the rear feeds a shallow round hollow cut into the granite.
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