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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Delille Fountain is an iconic achievement of the late 19th century, erected around 1875 on Place Delille in Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne. It is distinguished by its functional and aesthetic architecture: conceived as a reservoir, it collected water from three fountains located upstream to redistribute it to the base posts of the Carmes cemetery. Its underground hydraulic system, vaulted in brick and supported by four pillars, supports a monumental structure in cast iron and stone, executed by the Durenne workshops, renowned for their know-how in metallurgy.

The fountain consists of a central circular stone basin, around which rises a three-level cast iron candlestick separated by two superimposed basins. The base, adorned with lion's muffles, supports three backed putti supporting the intermediate basin, while a summit urn pours water into the lower basin. Six putti statues, straddling dolphins or resting on amphorae, animate the pelvis. This sculptural decor, typical of 19th century eclecticism, combines ancient references and technical innovation.

Ranked as a historical monument since 21 May 2007, the Delille Fountain illustrates the ingenuity of the urban water systems of the time, while embodying the artistic and industrial heritage of Clermont-Ferrand. Its protection includes the entire visible structure as well as its underground network, highlighting its exceptional character. Owned by the commune, it remains a major witness to the urbanization and beautification of cities under the Second Empire and the Third Republic.

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