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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The 16th century fountain located on the central square of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is a historic monument registered since 1926. It consists of a circular basin surrounding a column surmounted by a hexagonal capital. Each face of the capital gives rise to a water jet, while a hexagonal pyramid, crowned by a ball, dominates the whole. This type of structure reflects the architectural influences of the Renaissance, during which fountains became central elements of public squares, combining utility and aesthetics.

The location of this fountain, on Place Gayme (or central square), makes it a focal point of the municipality of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, in Puy-de-Dôme. The available data indicate a geographical accuracy deemed "a priori satisfactory", with an address confirmed by the Merimée database. Owned by the municipality, it illustrates the importance of hydraulic installations in the villages of Auvergne in the modern era, where access to drinking water and gathering places played a major social and practical role.

Registration for the Historic Monuments by order of 21 January 1926 underlines its heritage value. Although sources do not mention a specific sponsor or artisan, the fountain embodies the local know-how and cultural exchanges of the region in the 16th century. Its current state and maintenance are municipal responsibility, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations. No information is available on its current accessibility or on any recent restorations.

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