Rudolf’S Fountain

The Fountain on Bozner Platz, also known as Rudolf’s Fountain, is a historic monument in the city of Innsbruck, Austria. It was built in 1877 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Tyrol’s incorporation into the Austrian Empire in 1363. The fountain features a bronze statue of Rudolf IV, the Duke of Austria who initiated the process of Tyrol’s integration, as well as four allegorical figures representing the four regions of Tyrol: North Tyrol, South Tyrol, Trentino, and Vorarlberg.

The fountain was designed by Friedrich Schmidt, a renowned architect who also worked on the Vienna City Hall and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Schmidt was inspired by the Gothic style of the Golden Roof, the landmark building that was erected by Rudolf IV in the 15th century. The fountain was cast by the Viennese sculptor Viktor Tilgner, who also created the Mozart Monument in Vienna and the Schiller Monument in Stuttgart.

The fountain is located on Bozner Platz, a square that was named after the city of Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. The square was formerly known as Kaiserjägerplatz, after the Tyrolean imperial infantry regiment that fought in the Napoleonic Wars. The fountain was originally intended to be placed in front of the Hofburg, the former imperial palace, but was moved to its current location due to space constraints.

The fountain is a symbol of Tyrol’s history and identity, as well as a tribute to Rudolf IV, who is regarded as the founder of the Tyrolean state. The fountain is also a popular tourist attraction and a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The fountain is especially beautiful at night, when it is illuminated by colorful lights. The fountain is also the site of various cultural events, such as concerts, festivals, and markets. The fountain is a part of the Innsbruck Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.