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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Four Seasons fountain is a public fountain built in 1858 in the Montferrand district of Clermont-Ferrand. It is located on the Rodade Square, west of the neighborhood, and has been designed to serve as a drinking site for local hay animals. Its architecture reflects a late decorative style inspired by the Restoration, with sculpted elements probably reproduced after an engraving.

The fountain is made of Volvic stone, a material typical of the region. It consists of a circular central basin topped by a rectangular barrel, each side of which represents a season through patterns such as abundance horns, rinsels and mascarons. Originally, it was covered by a gas lantern, later replaced by a modern model. The bas-relief decorations, very detailed, include elements such as ram heads and palm candelabras.

Classified as a historical monument by order of 5 March 1992, the fountain illustrates the urban heritage of Clermont-Ferrand. It is now owned by the municipality. Its location on the former Montferrand hayyard recalls its initial use related to the agricultural and commercial activities of the area. The sources also mention its inscription in the Merimée base, stressing its architectural and historical importance.

Bibliographic references cite books such as History of the Communes of Puy-de-Dôme (A.-G. Manry, 1987) and Les Fontaines de Clermont-Ferrand (André Hébrard, 1996), which document its history. The fountain remains a remarkable example of 19th-century public art in Auvergne, mixing utility and sculptural aesthetics.

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