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Mercury Fountain

4.7
·225 reviews·Augsburg, Germany

A 16th-century artistic fountain in Augsburg, Germany, featuring Emperor Augustus and intricate carvings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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le stagioni

Mercury Fountain

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century artistic fountain in Augsburg, Germany, featuring Emperor Augustus and intricate carvings.

4.7
(225 reviews)

"A historical gem in a picturesque square, perfect for a quick photo stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

📍 Location, Location!

Find it in Augsburg's main square, near the Rathaus and Perlach Tower. :world_map:

📸 Photo Ops

Great spot for historical photos, especially with the Rathaus in the background. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Emperor Augustus Statue

Emperor Augustus Statue

Center of the fountain

A detailed bronze statue of the Roman emperor Augustus, the city's namesake.

Intricate Carvings

Intricate Carvings

Fountain basin and structure

Exquisite 16th-century carvings adorn the fountain, showcasing historical artistry.

Historic City Square

Historic City Square

Rathausplatz, Augsburg

The fountain is a central feature in a picturesque square alongside the Perlach Tower and Rathaus.

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Location & Context

The Mercury Fountain is a 16th-century artistic marvel, not to be confused with Calder's kinetic sculpture. This one features Emperor Augustus and is located in Augsburg, Germany, near the Perlach Tower and Rathaus.

Artistic Significance

This fountain is a historical piece by Elias Holl, showcasing intricate carvings and a bronze statue of Emperor Augustus. It's a key part of Augsburg's historic city center.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Christmas Market Season
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨SCHLOSS AUGUSTUSBURG✨ Staircase by Balthasar Neumann and Ceiling by Carlo Carlone/Treppenhaus von Balthasar Neumann und Deckenfresko von Carlo Carlone #palace #rococo #unesco #18century #schloss #heritage #baroque #art #viral #fyp #balthasarneumann #worldheritage #travelinggermany #traveling #🇩🇪 #nrw #köln #brühl #augustusburg #schlösserbrühl
@eyuepensargraphy
1.5M likes • 6.9M views

📍 Location, Location!

Find it in Augsburg's main square, near the Rathaus and Perlach Tower. :world_map:

📸 Photo Ops

Great spot for historical photos, especially with the Rathaus in the background. :camerawithflash:

✨SCHLOSS AUGUSTUSBURG✨ The Grand Staircase ❤️‍🔥🎻 🇬🇧:JUST LOOK AT THIS MASTERPIECE! Is it Heaven - or simply a staircase? This is no ordinary ascent - it’s a breathtaking jewel of the Rococo era, where art, architecture and opulence blend into one awe-inspiring creation. Commissioned in 1725 by Clemens August of Bavaria, Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, this palace rose on the site of a former m...
@eyuepensargraphy
87.2K likes • 740.1K views
Mercury Fountain: Some amazing physics fun from my January holiday in Barcelona- a fountain of flowing metal with 150 liters of mercury filling a two meter in diameter reflecting pool. This fountain is kinetic art created for the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris by the famous artist of mobiles, Alexander Calder, and features aspects of his trademark design. Given the density of mercury at 13.5 g/ml, the...
physicsfun
15.5K likes • 420.6K views

🧼 Cleanliness Note

Some visitors note it can be a bit dirty around the statue. :facewithraised_eyebrow:

🎄 Christmas Charm

Harder to spot during Christmas markets, but adds to the festive vibe! :christmas_tree:

Calder mercury fountain
kevin8336
8 likes • 279 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📍 Location, Location!

Find it in Augsburg's main square, near the Rathaus and Perlach Tower. :world_map:

📸 Photo Ops

Great spot for historical photos, especially with the Rathaus in the background. :camerawithflash:

🧼 Cleanliness Note

Some visitors note it can be a bit dirty around the statue. :facewithraised_eyebrow:

🎄 Christmas Charm

Harder to spot during Christmas markets, but adds to the festive vibe! :christmas_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(225 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Mercury Fountain as a charming historical landmark in Augsburg's picturesque city center, noting its intricate carvings and the statue of Emperor Augustus. While some mention minor cleanliness issues, it's generally seen as a pleasant stop, especially when combined with the nearby Rathaus and Perlach Tower.

"Cute town vibes"

Gargi Gupta

"a fountain from the 16th century with the bronze figure of the roman emperor Augustus. it decorates the square next the Perlach tower and the Rathaus. All three are work of the talented Elias Holl."

david antoun

"A bit dirty around the statue but a nice place overall."

Stef

What People Like

Historic charm
Central location
Artistic details

What People Dislike

Occasional dirtiness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mercury Fountain is located in the heart of Augsburg's city center, in Rathausplatz. You can easily reach it by public transport to the 'Augsburg Rathausplatz' stop, or if you're driving, there are parking garages nearby. It's a central landmark, so it's hard to miss! TikTok

Yes, it's very easy to find as it's situated right next to the Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Perlach Tower, which are prominent landmarks in Augsburg. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Mercury Fountain is an outdoor public sculpture and can be viewed freely at any time. There is no admission fee. :ticket:

As an outdoor fountain, it is accessible 24/7. However, for the best viewing experience and photography, daytime is recommended. :clock3:

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The Mercury Fountain in Augsburg is a 16th-century artistic fountain featuring intricate carvings and a bronze statue of Emperor Augustus. It's a historical landmark created by Elias Holl. :art:

It's a significant historical and artistic monument in Augsburg, representing the city's rich past and its connection to Roman history through Emperor Augustus. TikTok

No, it's important to distinguish between the Mercury Fountain in Augsburg (16th-century, Emperor Augustus) and Alexander Calder's kinetic 'Mercury Fountain' (1937), which is located in Barcelona at the Fundació Joan Miró. Instagram+1

The fountain is located in a vibrant city square, adjacent to the historic Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Perlach Tower, offering a picturesque setting. TikTok

Yes, if you're interested in historical fountains, Renaissance art, and the charming city center of Augsburg, it's a worthwhile stop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the fountain and the surrounding architecture. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting. :camerawithflash:

No, as it's a public outdoor space, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be mindful of crowds, especially during peak times or events. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Mercury Fountain in Augsburg is a quick and easy stop for families exploring the city center. While it's a historical monument, the statue of Emperor Augustus might capture a child's imagination. It's located in a lively square, so there's space to move around. Combine a visit with climbing the Perlach Tower for panoramic views, which kids often enjoy. TikTok

Keep in mind that the fountain is an outdoor feature, so it's accessible year-round. During the Christmas market season, the square becomes very festive, which can add to the excitement for children, though it also means larger crowds. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Mercury Fountain in Augsburg offers a classic European city square aesthetic. The fountain itself, with its detailed carvings and the statue of Augustus, provides a strong focal point. The surrounding Rathaus and Perlach Tower create a picturesque backdrop, especially when framed together. TikTok

Aim for daytime visits for optimal lighting to capture the textures of the stone and bronze. The square can be busy, so consider early mornings or late afternoons for fewer people and potentially softer light. The fountain's historical context adds depth to any cityscape shots of Augsburg. :camerawithflash:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Augsburg Mercury Fountain: A Historical Gem

The Mercury Fountain in Augsburg is a testament to 16th-century artistry, created by the renowned architect Elias Holl. Unlike the kinetic 'Mercury Fountain' by Alexander Calder in Barcelona, this fountain is a static, yet intricately detailed, work of art. It features a prominent bronze statue of Emperor Augustus, the Roman emperor after whom the city of Augsburg was originally named. The fountain's basin and structure are adorned with elaborate carvings that speak to the craftsmanship of the era. TikTok

This historical fountain is situated in the heart of Augsburg's old town, specifically in the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square). It shares this prominent location with other significant landmarks, including the imposing Rathaus and the iconic Perlach Tower. This central placement makes it a focal point for visitors exploring the city's historic core. Reddit

While the fountain is a beautiful piece of history, some visitors have noted that the area around the statue can sometimes appear a bit unkempt. However, its overall charm and historical significance continue to make it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, especially during festive periods like the Christmas market. Reddit

Distinguishing the Mercury Fountains

It's crucial to differentiate between the Mercury Fountain in Augsburg and Alexander Calder's famous kinetic sculpture, also named the Mercury Fountain. The Augsburg fountain, dating back to the 16th century, is a classical piece featuring a statue of Emperor Augustus and decorative carvings. It's a static monument located in Germany. TikTok

Calder's Mercury Fountain, created in 1937 for the Paris World's Fair, is a dynamic sculpture made of liquid mercury. This modern art piece is known for its flowing metal and is housed within the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, Spain. Due to the toxicity of mercury, it is displayed behind protective glass. Instagram+3

When planning a visit or searching for information, be sure to specify 'Mercury Fountain Augsburg' to avoid confusion and ensure you're looking at the correct historical site. The Augsburg fountain offers a glimpse into Renaissance art and local history, while Calder's work is a celebrated example of kinetic art. Instagram

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