Wasseruhrbrunnen (Water Clock Fountain) - Trier

The Wasseruhrbrunnen (Water Clock Fountain) is a striking fountain on Willy-Brandt-Platz in Trier, right by the Electoral Palace. It was designed by Frankfurt artist Karl-Jakob Schwalbach and inaugurated in 1985 during the 2000th anniversary of the city of Trier.

The fountain, built from four types of granite, also functions as a sundial , with numbers around the circular base and a 12.60-metre-high column in the centre. The design combines elements of a fountain, a sundial and a water clock. The different layers of the basin represent the geological structures of the region and refer to the Roman amphitheatre of Trier. A symbolic "river" flows through the design, emphasising the Mosel and the geographical location of Trier.

The fountain contains five bronze animal figures that symbolize five different eras in the history of Trier:

A horse for the Celtic period

An eagle for the Roman Empire

A Lamb for the Christian Middle Ages

A dog for the Prussian era

A dove as a symbol of peace and modern Trier

In addition, the fountain is also a drinking water supply : the water tap is marked in nine languages, including Chinese, that the water is drinkable. Under the tap is a bronze plaque with the names of important artists and architects from the 2000-year history of Trier.

Willem Vandenameele