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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Orschwihr Fountain is a historical monument located in the Alsatian village of Orschwihr, in the department of Upper Rhine (Great East). It is distinguished by its original structure, consisting of a basin with ten sides and an octagonal central drum. Although its exact date of construction remains uncertain, estimates put it in the 19th century. Its atypical architecture makes it a remarkable element of local heritage, although its precise history remains partially documented.

Classified as a historical monument since 1934, this fountain has been officially protected by ministerial decree. In 1992, the original was replaced by a copy, probably for reasons of preservation. Owned by the municipality, it is located Place de l'Église, a central location that emphasizes its importance in the daily life of the village. The archives also mention an approximate location at 4 Rue de l'Église, although this clarification remains to be confirmed.

In the Alsatian context of the 19th century, public fountains played an essential role in the supply of water to populations. They also served as a gathering point and symbol of prosperity for the municipalities. Orschwihr, like many villages in the region, was then marked by a rural and artisanal economy, where collective infrastructure such as this fountain reflected community organization and local priorities. Their preservation today bears witness to the attachment to this utilitarian and aesthetic heritage.

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