Fontaine de la Vierge, Gothic Revival fountain in Square Jean-XXIII, Paris, France
The fontaine de la Vierge is a slender Gothic Revival fountain about ten metres tall in the Square Jean-XXIII, behind the chevet of Notre-Dame. Its base has three faces with bevelled angles, forming an irregular hexagon; each angle carries an archangel on a small pedestal from which water flows. Three columns rise to a jagged spire, and between them stands a Virgin and Child carved by Louis Merlieux. The base sits in a six-sided basin resting on a hexagonal pool.
The fountain was created by Alphonse Vigoureux in 1845 to equip the square Jean-XXIII, laid out the previous year on the site of the former rue de l'Abreuvoir behind the chevet of Notre-Dame. The Virgin and Child at its centre was carved by Louis Merlieux.
The fountain displays the Madonna and Child at its center, with three archangels positioned at the corners to emphasize its religious purpose in the public square. The sculpted figures create a scene of faith that catches the eye as people pass through the gardens.
The fountain sits behind Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Jean-XXIII square and is open year-round without restriction. The location is easy to reach on foot and offers a peaceful spot close to the cathedral's rear entrance.
The fountain stands on the site of the former Rue de l'Abreuvoir, a street that vanished from the city plan. It was created by Alphonse Vigoureux in 1845 to equip the square Jean-XXIII, laid out the year before behind the chevet of Notre-Dame. The Virgin and Child at its centre was carved by Louis Merlieux.
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