Fontaine-réservoir Sainte-Marie, Public fountain in Rouen, France
The Sainte-Marie fountain is a classified historical monument in Rouen featuring three sculptural groups representing Agriculture, Livestock, and the City of Rouen, arranged around a semi-circular basin with monumental stairs. An underground reservoir beneath the structure continues to supply drinking water to the city's residents.
This fountain was inaugurated in 1879 following an architectural competition that attracted renowned artists, including Bartholdi as a participant. Architect Édouard Deperthes and sculptor Alexandre Falguière designed the monument, which became integrated into Rouen's water infrastructure system.
The fountain displays allegorical sculptures of children representing the Robec and Aubette rivers, with a central figure showing Rouen sailing on these waterways. These carvings reflect the city's deep connection to its water sources.
The fountain sits near the Museum of Antiquities on Louis-Ricard Street and is readily accessible to visitors. The monumental stairs and open basin allow you to view the structure from different angles and appreciate its sculptural details.
The limestone structure required multiple restorations due to material vulnerabilities, with restoration work first undertaken in 1914 and most recently completed in 1983. These repeated interventions reflect ongoing efforts to protect the monument for future generations.
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