Leopold Fountain

The Leopold Fountain is one of the most prominent landmarks in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. The fountain features a bronze equestrian statue of Archduke Leopold V, who ruled Tyrol from 1619 to 1632. The fountain was built to commemorate his achievements and to display his power and prestige.

The History of the Fountain

The fountain was commissioned by Archduke Leopold V in 1622, after he successfully defended Tyrol against the invading forces of Venice and Bavaria. The fountain was intended to celebrate his victory and to honor his patron saint, St. Leopold. The fountain was also a political statement, as it symbolized Leopold’s authority over Tyrol and his loyalty to the Habsburg dynasty.

The fountain was designed by court architect Christoph Gumpp, who based his plan on the equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Rome. The statue of Leopold was sculpted by Caspar Gras, a renowned bronze caster from Augsburg. The fountain was completed in 1630 and placed on the Rennweg, near the Tyrolean State Theatre and the old city gate.

The Changes of the Fountain

The fountain underwent several changes over the centuries, both in its appearance and its location. The original fountain consisted of a rectangular basin with four corner pillars, each topped with a lion’s head spouting water. The basin was surrounded by a balustrade with four statues of allegorical figures representing the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The equestrian statue of Leopold was mounted on a pedestal in the center of the basin.

In 1893, the fountain was renovated and relocated to a nearby square, where it stands today. The renovation was done by architect Franz Baumann, who modified the fountain to fit the style of the newly built Tyrolean State Theatre. The fountain was given a circular basin with a larger pedestal for the statue of Leopold. The four corner pillars were replaced by four smaller pedestals, each with a statue of a historical figure related to Tyrol: Andreas Hofer, the leader of the Tyrolean rebellion against Napoleon; Claudia de’ Medici, the regent of Tyrol in the 17th century; Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Emperor who made Innsbruck his residence; and Meinhard II, the founder of the Tyrolean dynasty. The four allegorical figures were moved to the balustrade, which was also enlarged and decorated with reliefs and coats of arms.

The Future of the Fountain

The fountain was dismantled in late summer 2015, as part of the demolition of a large building complex that included the city halls, the chamber theatre, the old dancing school of Polai, and the city café. The fountain was stored in a warehouse, awaiting its reassembly in another location. However, the exact location and timing of its reinstallation are still unknown, as the city authorities have not yet decided on a suitable place for the fountain.

Meanwhile, a new cultural center called the “House of Music” is being constructed on the site where the old building of the Innsbruck city halls used to stand. The House of Music is expected to open in 2018 and will host various musical events and exhibitions. The House of Music will also feature a modern fountain, designed by artist Olafur Eliasson, which will consist of a ring of water jets that will create different patterns and colors.

The Leopold Fountain is a historic monument that reflects the history and culture of Innsbruck and Tyrol. The fountain is a testament to the legacy of Archduke Leopold V, who shaped the destiny of Tyrol in the 17th century. The fountain is also a witness to the changes and developments that have occurred in Innsbruck over the years. The fountain’s future is uncertain, but its past is not forgotten.

Innsbruck, Austria