Suhl Marketplace with Town Hall and Gunsmith Monument

is misused as an advent calendar at Christmas time

In the middle of Suhl's market square stands the city's landmark: the armorer's monument with fountain. This monument was created in 1903 by the sculptor Georg Ringel, but was later replaced by a faithful copy in the 1980s. At the feet of the blacksmith depicted lies an octagonal fountain basin.

The weapons industry in Suhl looks back on a long tradition. Weapons have been developed and manufactured in the small Thuringian town for more than 400 years. In the beginning, this industry was known as gunsmithing. The gunsmith monument with fountain on the Suhl market square is a reminder of this long history.

Shown is the so-called “Suhl weaponsmith”, an ideal figure of a representative of this ancient craft. The blacksmith is easily identified by the fact that he carries a blacksmith's hammer in his right hand and a sword in his left. Reference is made to both the manufacturing process and the product of the weapon craft. By the way, the sword is also the symbol of the city of Suhl. This armorer stands clearly visible on a high stele, which in turn sits in an octagonal water basin.

Nice building that enhances the marketplace.