Wehrhafter Schmied, Bronze fountain in Jakobstraße, Aachen, Germany.
Wehrhafter Schmied is a bronze fountain on Jakobstraße in Aachen featuring a sturdy craftsman gripping a hammer and standing on a raised base. Water flows from multiple spouts around the figure, which stands about 13 feet (4 meters) tall with finely cast details throughout.
The fountain was created in 1909 by sculptor Carl Burger and cast by Bernhard Förster as a monument to a 13th-century blacksmith. It commemorates a craftsman who defended the city in 1278 against the claims of a count.
The figure embodies a local craftsman who became a symbol of resistance and continues to remind people of past struggles for the city's freedom. Visitors can see in this representation how Aachen honors those who fought to protect their independence.
The fountain is located at the intersection of Jakobstraße and Klappergasse and remains accessible year-round with no restricted hours. The surrounding area offers parking and walking paths that make it easy to approach and view from multiple angles.
The bronze figure survived both World Wars and was temporarily moved to the Talbot wagon factory on Jülicher Street. During its displacement it stood watch over the factory grounds before eventually returning to its original location.
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