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Origin and history

The fountain of Mars, also called the Fountain of Gros-Caillou, is a neo-classical fountain located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Built between 1806 and 1808 according to the plans of engineer François-Jean Bralle, it is distinguished by its bas-reliefs carved by Pierre-Nicolas Beauvallet, student of Augustin Pajou. Originally, she drew water from the Gros-Caillou fire pump and was named after this neighborhood.

In 1859, an arcade square was built around the fountain, strengthening its urban integration. A floodmark, visible at its foot, marks the level reached by the Seine during the 1910 flood. The fountain was listed as a historic monument in 1926, recognizing its heritage value.

In a neo-classical style, the fountain consists of a square massif of about 2 meters side, decorated with committed columns and bas-reliefs representing Mars, god of war, and Hygie, goddess of health. These unusual motives can be explained by his proximity to the former Gros-Caillou military hospital, founded in 1759 and demolished in 1896. Three bronze mascarons, similar to those of the Four Seasons fountain, distribute water, although only one is still active today.

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