Gutenberg monument, Frankfurt

The Gutenberg monument on Rossmarkt is a bronze sculptural group with a central statue of Johannes Gutenberg holding printed pages. Four seated female figures occupy the corners of the pedestal, while the lower section functions as a decorative water well with relief panels.

The monument was inaugurated in 1858 to honor Johannes Gutenberg's invention of movable type printing, which transformed book production in the 15th century. This innovation enabled knowledge to spread across Europe and helped establish Frankfurt as a major center of book trade.

The four female figures at the base represent theology, poetry, natural sciences and industry, showing how printing shaped knowledge across different fields. These figures help visitors understand why this invention mattered so much beyond just books.

The monument sits in the center of Rossmarkt square and is easy to reach by public transportation or walking from Frankfurt's main shopping district. The square has benches where you can sit and rest, and the site is accessible at all times during the day.

The bronze relief panels on the water well section depict scenes from the history of printing technology and its development through different eras. Many visitors miss these intricate details even though they tell the full story of how this breakthrough invention evolved.