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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Fontaine du Cheval Marin de Poligny is a historical monument located in the commune of Poligny, in the department of Jura (39), in the region Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Built during the 3rd quarter of the 18th century, this fountain is an example of civil architecture of this period, integrated with the local urban heritage. It is supported by a house located at 22 Grande-Rue, in the city centre, and is part of the communal public domain.

Ranked Historic Monument by order of 31 August 1992, the fountain is protected for its heritage and artistic interest. Its name, "Héval Marin", evokes a specific symbol or decoration, although the iconographic details are not specified in the available sources. The fountain is associated with Claude-François Bessan, the master work mentioned in the archives, suggesting a careful and potentially linked realization to influential local sponsors.

The location of the fountain, noted with average accuracy (level 5 out of 10), indicates that it is located in a central area of Poligny, a town known for its medieval history and architectural heritage. The fountain, as a public element, had to play a practical and aesthetic role in the daily life of the inhabitants, providing water while embellishing the urban space. Its late classification in 1992 reflects a late recognition of its historical and artistic value.

Available sources, including Monumentum and Merimée data, confirm its status as communal property and its integration into the urban fabric of Poligny. The fountain thus illustrates the importance of water points in pre-industrial cities, where they served as both refuelling and social landmarks. Its present state and maintenance are now the responsibility of the municipality, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.

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