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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Bergheim Fountain is an iconic monument located in the city centre, on the Place du Docteur-Pierre-Walter (formerly Place du Marché). It is distinguished by its octagonal basin, whose angles are reinforced by square dice and ground panels. In the heart of the structure, a square pillar supports an octagonal pillar surmounted by the coat of arms of Bergheim, representing a three-cup mountain. This carved decoration, dating back to the 16th century, includes acaanthe leaves in bas-relief and embossed faces where bronze gulottes escape, supported by wrought iron rinsels. The basin, for its part, could go back to the eighteenth century, although its initial construction was associated with the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The fountain was included in the inventory of historical monuments by order of 13 June 1929, thus recognizing its heritage value. Owned by the municipality of Bergheim, it embodies the architectural and artistic heritage of this Alsatian city, marked by medieval and Renaissance influences. Its central location, on a public square, highlights its historic role in the daily and social life of the community, serving as both a water and a majestic decorative element.

Architectural details, such as carved heads spitting water or municipal coat of arms, reflect the craftsmanship of the time. The materials used — stone for the structure, bronze for the chutes and wrought iron for the ornaments — bear witness to a technical mastery and aesthetic concern characteristic of Alsatian monumental fountains. Today, this monument remains a symbol of local heritage, attracting attention through its mix of functionality and art.

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