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Origin and history

The great fountain of Gy, located in the Haute-Saône department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, was built between 1830 and 1835 by architects César Convers and Alphonse Delacroix. This project was part of a project to develop a source, the main water resource for the Lower Town of Gy. The building adopts a pyramidal composition, with a rectangular reservoir topped by a doric style-inspired castle, initially accompanied by three cascade concentric basins.

In 1867, major transformations were carried out according to the plans of architect Girod de Pontarlier. The three original basins were replaced by one, and a stone base was erected in its centre, intended to accommodate a statue or carved group. The building, begun in 1826 by architect Ridoux de Vesoul, was completed in 1831 under the direction of Convers, from Besançon. The fountain, still visible Grande-Rue in Gy, was listed as historical monuments in 2001.

The fountain illustrates the importance of urban hydraulics in the 19th century, when access to drinking water became a priority for expanding cities. Its neoclassical architecture, combining utility and aesthetics, reflects the hygienist concerns and artistic cannons of the time. Today, it remains a testimony of the industrial and architectural heritage of Haute-Saône, managed by the municipality of Gy.

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