Fountain of Samson, Baroque fountain in Podil district, Kyiv, Ukraine
The Fountain of Samson is a Baroque structure in Kyiv featuring a central statue of a man wrestling a lion set within a circular rotunda topped with a decorative cupola. The composition displays craftsmanship typical of the Baroque style from its era.
The fountain was built between 1748 and 1749 as part of efforts to improve the water system in the Podil district. Its design came from Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi, a significant architect of that period.
The statue shows the biblical figure Samson wrestling with a lion, a subject that reflects religious beliefs held in the city. This image has remained a symbol people recognize and associate with the Podil neighborhood.
The fountain is easily accessible on foot in the heart of Podil, with paved paths around it suitable for different mobility levels. Visitors can explore the site at any time and no special preparation is needed.
The structure features four sundials mounted on its columns, which remain visible today and show how people once told time. The original sculptures were moved to the National Art Museum of Ukraine for protection and replaced with copies.
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