A few detailed sights from Nürenberg, Germany (home)

The Schöner Brunnen Fountain - one of my favorites. No matter how many times I walk into town, for groceries, or coffee, or just for some fresh air, I can't help but stop at this amazing piece of art.


Some interesting facts... there is NO water in this fountain. It is located in the Main Market Square near the Frauen Kirche. It was built around 1385-96 by Heinrich Beheim. It is about 62 1/2 feet to the top. It has three tiers - Forty stone figures are arranged around it's octagonal base rising up to the top.  They are from the 14 century and represent the world view of the Holy Roman Empire.  The first row are the Philosopher and the Free Artists, the middle row the Evangelists and the Latin Church Fathers and the third row are the seven elector of and nine heroes.  The very top is Moses and the seven prophets.

If that is not enough to keep your interest the metal framing around the fountain can catch me forever.  The metal work is intricate in its own right. A beautiful example of Renaissance iron work. It was forged in 1587 by Paulus Kuhn.  Then in 1902 it was repaired by Albert Leipold. He then put in the well-known "golden-ring" that turns. 

Visitors are encouraged to turn the ring, three times 360 degrees each time,  and your wishes come true. (Okay I don't believe it but couldn't help to jump up and turn it myself)  A side note, what many visitors don't know is the "gold-ring" is not the original or real one.  There is a black ring high on the other side of the fountain that was the real one.  It is said that because it blends in with the ornate railing that the "gold" one was added to make it easier for tourist to find.  Bahhhh here we go again a little sparkle has left the fountain.  But perhaps that makes it more intriguing for those of us that know where the real one is.  I admit too that on many occasional while standing near the fountain I have, on occasion, pointed out the "real" one to a person or two!

Beautiful iron work

Can you see the little brass ring in the center above the horizontal black bar?

another view of the "brass" ring

right in the center you can see the original black ring!

 When the railing went up the sandstone figures were also replaced with shell lime ones. So when you are in Nürnberg, don't forget to turn the ring...the black one high on the back!