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Origin and history

The Grande Fontaine de Digne-les-Bains, built in 1828 in stone by Marcoux and Bercelonnette, is an emblematic work of the Restoration period. It consists of two basins, a two-sided portal, seven columns surmounted by Tuscan capitals, and two basins. Operating as the overflow of a reservoir, it was fed by the Five Soils source, which was used in 1820 to improve the city's water supply. Its architectural style and central role make it a historic place of life, often represented by artists.

The fountain, located on Rue de la Grande-Fontaine, is subject to limestone concretions and invasive vegetation, requiring regular restoration. In 2006, 30 tons of limestone deposits threatening its stability were removed. Since 1927, it has belonged to the commune and remains a symbol of Digne-les-Bains, mixing public utility and architectural heritage.

Its history is marked by its integration into local daily and cultural life. By 1899, photographers immortalized family scenes at the top of the monument, illustrating its anchor in collective memory. The inscriptions on its flanks recall its origin linked to the source of the Five Soils and the maintenance work essential to its preservation. Today, it embodies both a 19th century legacy and a conservation challenge for future generations.

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