Fontaine Saint-Michel, Monumental fountain in Latin Quarter, France
The Fontaine Saint-Michel is a monumental structure in the heart of the Latin Quarter, featuring a facade with red marble columns and bronze sculptural figures. Its eclectically styled design incorporates ornamental elements from multiple architectural traditions and sits prominently at the Boulevard Saint-Michel intersection.
The structure was built between 1858 and 1860 during Haussmann's urban transformation of Paris, originally designed to conceal an awkward building facade. This period saw the city undergo major reconstruction that reshaped entire neighborhoods.
The fountain depicts Saint Michael battling evil through religious symbolism that has inspired devotion for centuries. This theme reflects beliefs that were important to Parisians when the fountain was created.
The fountain sits at the Boulevard Saint-Michel intersection and is easily reached by metro at Saint-Michel station or the Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame RER stop. Being centrally located, you can explore it comfortably on foot while wandering through nearby streets and squares.
Eight different sculptors contributed their work to the fountain's statues, each bringing their own artistic approach to the project. This collaborative effort created a work with multiple artistic voices visible throughout its sculptural details.
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