Düsseldorf District
Regierungsbezirk DüsseldorfRemigius Fountain Viersen
Düsseldorf District
Regierungsbezirk DüsseldorfRemigius Fountain Viersen
Highlight • Monument
Cycling
4.6
(48)
Hiking
4.8
(44)
The Remigius Fountain is a significant man-made monument and historical site located in the heart of Viersen, Germany. Situated at Remigiusplatz, at an elevation of approximately 80 meters, it stands as a central landmark in Viersen city. This intricate fountain tells a rich story through its art and history, making it a focal point for visitors exploring the city.
Visitors are consistently captivated by the fountain's profound historical narrative and its intricate artistry. Many appreciate the thought-provoking symbolic elements, particularly…
Tips
November 16, 2023
Cycling
August 20, 2023
Hiking
Nearby routes
Best routes near Remigius Fountain Viersen
4.6
(42)
133
hikers
22.5km
05:55
190m
190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
32
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 80 m
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Sunday 15 March
11°C
4°C
32 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
Most visited during
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The Remigius Fountain has a rich history, with its original structure and a statue of Saint Remigius consecrated in 1916. During World War II, the original statue was melted down for weapons. After the war, the fountain was re-erected without a central figure until artist Gernot Rumpf designed the present-day fountain, reinstating Saint Remigius as its centerpiece. This history reflects periods of both artistic creation and wartime sacrifice.
The fountain, designed by Gernot Rumpf, features a central figure of Saint Remigius with a smiling expression. His bishop's staff has a crozier shaped like an olive branch, symbolizing reconciliation. The bishop's seat includes symbolic representations of the four Evangelists (angel for Matthew, lion for Mark, bull for Luke, eagle for John) and a miniature model of the St. Remigius Church. Around the basin, bronze animal sculptures metaphorically represent human weaknesses, such as a peacock for vanity, a snake for envy, and a seal for laziness. The Latin motto 'Abstain – Endure patiently – Act vigorously' is inscribed on the back of the bishop's seat.
Yes, the fountain features several bronze animal sculptures around its rim, which are designed to encourage viewer interaction and interpretation of human weaknesses. A particularly delightful detail for younger visitors is the small turtle sculpture, which has movable parts, adding a playful and engaging element to the artwork.
The Remigius Fountain is centrally located in Viersen, making it an excellent starting point for various urban walking routes. You can explore the city center, discovering other local landmarks and historical sites. While the immediate area around the fountain is flat and easily accessible, longer routes might lead you through different parts of Viersen, offering a mix of urban exploration and potentially some green spaces depending on the chosen path.
The Remigius Fountain can be visited year-round. While the intro mentions spring and autumn for comfortable walking, a winter visit can offer a unique, quieter perspective on the monument. The fountain itself doesn't host specific seasonal activities, but Viersen city center often has seasonal events, especially around holidays, which could be combined with a visit to the fountain.
The Remigius Fountain is well-integrated into Viersen's city center and is easily accessible by public transport. Local bus services typically have stops within a short walking distance of Remigiusplatz, where the fountain is located. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local Viersen public transport information.
Absolutely. Being in the heart of Viersen city center, the Remigius Fountain is surrounded by a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Visitors can easily find options for a quick coffee, a casual meal, or a more formal dining experience within a short walk from the fountain, making it a great spot to start or end a day of exploration.
The Remigius Fountain is located in a public square within the city center, which is generally dog-friendly. Dogs on a leash are typically welcome in public outdoor spaces. While there aren't specific dog-friendly trails directly at the fountain, you can certainly enjoy a walk around the monument and the surrounding city streets with your canine companion.
As a central landmark in Viersen, the Remigius Fountain can attract a moderate number of visitors, especially during pleasant weather, weekends, and local events. However, it is generally not overly crowded, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer a quieter visit if you prefer fewer people.
The Remigius Fountain itself is an urban monument, so it doesn't offer natural viewpoints in the traditional sense. However, its central location means you can easily access other parts of Viersen that might include parks or slightly elevated areas offering different perspectives of the city. For natural features, you would need to venture a bit further from the immediate city center.
The artist, Gernot Rumpf, intentionally left the specific vices associated with each animal open to interpretation, encouraging active engagement from the viewer. While some common interpretations exist (e.g., peacock for vanity, snake for envy), the best way to learn more is to observe the sculptures closely and reflect on their symbolism, perhaps even discussing your interpretations with fellow visitors.