Mercatorbrunnen, Renaissance fountain in Burgplatz, Duisburg, Germany
Mercatorbrunnen is a fountain in Burgplatz featuring a statue of cartographer Gerhard Mercator as its central element, with four cherubs positioned around it. Each cherub represents one of four concepts: navigation, science, trade, and industry, creating a symbolic composition that honors the subject's achievements.
Created in 1878 by sculptor Josef Anton Reiss from Düsseldorf, the fountain honors Gerhard Mercator who lived his final decades in Duisburg. The work commemorates the cartographer's enduring connection to the city and his influence on mapping and geographic knowledge.
The fountain serves as a gathering spot where visitors and residents pause to observe the artistic representation of knowledge and exploration. Wedding celebrations often include photographs taken at this location, making it meaningful to many people's personal histories.
The fountain stands at Burgplatz 1 in central Duisburg and remains accessible year-round without restrictions. Nearby public transportation hubs provide convenient ways to reach the location from other parts of the city.
The fountain survived the extensive bombing raids that damaged much of Duisburg during World War II without sustaining any damage. This survival makes it a notable witness to the city's difficult wartime period.
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