Petrusbrunnen (Saint Peter's Fountain), Trier
Saint Peter's Fountain (Petrusbrunnen) graces the southern area of Trier's main market square with its unique blend of artistry and history. Erected in 1595 by the renowned sculptor Hans Rupprecht Hoffmann, the fountain is a splendid example of Mannerist style, featuring intricate ornamentation and allegorical figures. Standing tall above the hexagonal basin is the nearly life-size statue of Saint Peter, Trier’s patron saint, lending his name to the fountain.
Around the basin, each of the four cardinal virtues-Justice (Justitia), Strength (Fortitudo), Moderation (Temperantia), and Wisdom (Sapientia)-stands as a testament to the moral ideals of the time. These figures, paired with lions, putti, and an assortment of animals like dolphins and geese, add a symbolic richness to the fountain's elaborate structure. Each virtue is represented through distinct symbols: Justice with her sword and scales, Strength with a broken column, Moderation with water and wine, and Wisdom with a mirror and snake. This array of imagery intertwines with Trier's coats of arms, including that of the Diocese and Bishop Johann VII von Schonenberg, emphasizing the fountain's civic and religious significance.
Originally, Saint Peter's Fountain served a functional role, drawing water from Herrenbrunnchen. Its conversion to an ornamental feature came only after Trier established a central water supply. The fountain remarkably survived World War II unscathed due to protective measures and has since undergone several restorations, notably in 1982/83, 2004, and 2013/14. These renovations addressed damage to its stone structure and involved careful repainting inspired by historical comparisons, even adding modern lighting to highlight its details.
Today, as the fountain’s crowning figure receives an annual bouquet to welcome the Old Town Festival, Saint Peter's Fountain remains a cherished landmark-a symbol of Trier's enduring history and artistry.
Around the basin, each of the four cardinal virtues-Justice (Justitia), Strength (Fortitudo), Moderation (Temperantia), and Wisdom (Sapientia)-stands as a testament to the moral ideals of the time. These figures, paired with lions, putti, and an assortment of animals like dolphins and geese, add a symbolic richness to the fountain's elaborate structure. Each virtue is represented through distinct symbols: Justice with her sword and scales, Strength with a broken column, Moderation with water and wine, and Wisdom with a mirror and snake. This array of imagery intertwines with Trier's coats of arms, including that of the Diocese and Bishop Johann VII von Schonenberg, emphasizing the fountain's civic and religious significance.
Originally, Saint Peter's Fountain served a functional role, drawing water from Herrenbrunnchen. Its conversion to an ornamental feature came only after Trier established a central water supply. The fountain remarkably survived World War II unscathed due to protective measures and has since undergone several restorations, notably in 1982/83, 2004, and 2013/14. These renovations addressed damage to its stone structure and involved careful repainting inspired by historical comparisons, even adding modern lighting to highlight its details.
Today, as the fountain’s crowning figure receives an annual bouquet to welcome the Old Town Festival, Saint Peter's Fountain remains a cherished landmark-a symbol of Trier's enduring history and artistry.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Trier. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Petrusbrunnen (Saint Peter's Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Petrusbrunnen (Saint Peter's Fountain)
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Trier, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Trier
Creating your own self-guided walk in Trier is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trier's Roman Ruins Walking Tour
Nowadays it sounds a bit weird that a small German town of Trier, some 20-minute drive from the Luxembourg border, was once the capital of the mighty Western Roman Empire. Still, "the second Rome", as the emperor Diocletian used to call it, today fully lives up to its former status.
Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
In The Footsteps of Karl Marx
Apart from being a home to the largest number of Roman ruins outside Rome, Trier is also extremely popular with international tourists, especially those from China, as the hometown of Karl Marx.
Here, the father of socialism and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century, who, as an adult, managed to change the course of the world's history, had spent the first 17 years of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Here, the father of socialism and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century, who, as an adult, managed to change the course of the world's history, had spent the first 17 years of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Trier Introduction Walking Tour
Trier is Germany’s oldest city and features beautiful Roman ruins, impressive medieval architecture, stunning churches, and fascinating museums.
While an inscription on the famous Red House states that the city was founded 1300 years before the Romans arrived, this has never been proven. The Celtics originally founded Trier during the fourth century BC. The Romans arrived in the first century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
While an inscription on the famous Red House states that the city was founded 1300 years before the Romans arrived, this has never been proven. The Celtics originally founded Trier during the fourth century BC. The Romans arrived in the first century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles