Tugendbrunnen (Fountain of the Virtues), Nuremberg
The Fountain of Virtues, located near Saint Lorenz Church in Nuremberg, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and craftsmanship. Constructed between 1584 and 1589 by the renowned bronze founder Benedikt Wurzelbauer, this fountain is a testament to the artistic and cultural sensibilities of the period.
Constructed primarily from zinc-rich brass, the Fountain of Virtues rises elegantly from an octagonal pool. The design features a multi-tiered structure adorned with numerous allegorical figures that symbolize virtues considered essential during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
At the apex of the fountain stands the figure of Justice, depicted as a blindfolded woman holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other, a classic representation of fairness and the rule of law. A crane, symbolizing vigilance, accompanies her.
Below Justice, the fountain features six music-making cherubs, or putti, each associated with significant heraldic symbols. Two of these cherubs hold the Great Arms of Nuremberg, another pair hold the Small Arms of Nuremberg, and the remaining two support the crowned, double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire. These elements not only add a rich visual appeal but also underscore the fountain's civic significance.
The lower tier of the fountain showcases allegorical figures of six virtues, each depicted as lactating females, underscoring their nurturing aspect. These figures include Faith, holding a cross and a chalice; Love or Charity, depicted with two children; Hope, holding an anchor; Courage or Fortitude, standing beside a lion and holding a gun; Moderation or Temperance, pouring liquid from a pitcher into a goblet; and Patience, accompanied by a lamb.
This intricate ensemble not only beautifies the city space but also serves as a moral compass, reminding viewers of the virtues to aspire to. The Fountain of Virtues remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in Nuremberg, drawing admiration for its artistic complexity and the timeless messages it conveys.
Constructed primarily from zinc-rich brass, the Fountain of Virtues rises elegantly from an octagonal pool. The design features a multi-tiered structure adorned with numerous allegorical figures that symbolize virtues considered essential during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
At the apex of the fountain stands the figure of Justice, depicted as a blindfolded woman holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other, a classic representation of fairness and the rule of law. A crane, symbolizing vigilance, accompanies her.
Below Justice, the fountain features six music-making cherubs, or putti, each associated with significant heraldic symbols. Two of these cherubs hold the Great Arms of Nuremberg, another pair hold the Small Arms of Nuremberg, and the remaining two support the crowned, double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire. These elements not only add a rich visual appeal but also underscore the fountain's civic significance.
The lower tier of the fountain showcases allegorical figures of six virtues, each depicted as lactating females, underscoring their nurturing aspect. These figures include Faith, holding a cross and a chalice; Love or Charity, depicted with two children; Hope, holding an anchor; Courage or Fortitude, standing beside a lion and holding a gun; Moderation or Temperance, pouring liquid from a pitcher into a goblet; and Patience, accompanied by a lamb.
This intricate ensemble not only beautifies the city space but also serves as a moral compass, reminding viewers of the virtues to aspire to. The Fountain of Virtues remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in Nuremberg, drawing admiration for its artistic complexity and the timeless messages it conveys.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nuremberg. 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.
Tugendbrunnen (Fountain of the Virtues) on Map
Sight Name: Tugendbrunnen (Fountain of the Virtues)
Sight Location: Nuremberg, Germany (See walking tours in Nuremberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Nuremberg, Germany (See walking tours in Nuremberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Nuremberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Nuremberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nuremberg 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.
Nuremberg Old Town Walking Tour
The historical center of Nuremberg, Old Town (German: Altstadt) is easily differentiated from other parts of the city. Divided in two by the Pegnitz River, the district represents a complex architectural ensemble with a maze of historical lanes (e.g. Weissgerbergasse) packed with half-timber houses, linked by centuries-old bridges, such as Maxbrücke, and set against the picturesque backdrops of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Hitler's Nuremberg Tour
Despite Nuremberg's storybook appearance, the city's not so distant past is rather dark. Back in 1933, amid the rise of the Third Reich, the Nazis worked really hard to leave their stamp on the city, prettifying it and renovating the architecture in a bid to accommodate their massive rallies and bombastic military parades.
In fact, no other city in Germany is more intertwined with the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
In fact, no other city in Germany is more intertwined with the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Nuremberg Introduction Walking Tour
The most "German" of all cities in Germany, Nuremberg has witnessed many historic events in its lifetime. Sadly, the first thing immediately associated with Nuremberg is the rise of the Third Reich, the Nazi rallies, and the postwar trials over the Nazi leaders. Indeed, the city was favored by Hitler, who planned to build here a grandiose architectural complex for his party.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles