Of the numerous city pumps that Culemborg once had, four national monument pumps have been preserved: two on the Markt, one on the Varkensmarkt and one in the Zandstraat. It is no coincidence that all the pumps are located on the old ‘voorstraat’, as this central, continuous main axis is also called. The winding route of this axis follows the old course of the Meer river, which apparently still carried abundant water deep underground, even after it had been filled in.
The two pumps on the Markt are the most distinguished, which is not surprising given their prominent position. They are built of sandstone. Their base is closed off by a heavy profile list above which is a slimmer pump body, also closed off by a decorative list. The city coat of arms is depicted above the two outlets with the dates 1718 on the pump at Markt 10 and 1719 on the pump at Markt 34. An elegant vase with so-called ‘congélations’ forms the crowning glory of both pumps.
On the west side of the Varkensmarkt, at Varkensmarkt 10, there is a somewhat simpler brick pump with two outlets. The basement has a hardstone cladding at the front and is closed off by a natural stone profile molding. Above that is a slimmer pump body, also finished off by a profile molding. A sculpted seated lion with the city's coat of arms forms the crowning glory. Since 2014, tap water has been supplied from the right outlet again in the summer season.
On the west side of the Zandstraat, at Zandstraat 33-35, there is a similar pump. This one also has sandstone moldings to close off the basement and the pump body, and is crowned by a sandstone lion as a coat of arms bearer.
For the sake of completeness, the simple small brick pump on the Veerweg should finally be mentioned here. This pump is a municipal monument.
Translated by Google •
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