ハフナーバッハの天然記念物・トップ15

St. Pölten

A really good place

The Windcatcher fountain sculpture has stood in Europaplatz in St. Pölten since 2024. Erected as a new landmark as part of the square's redesign, it replaces the previous fountain. The sculpture consists of approximately 16,000 handmade bricks and forms an open rotunda equipped with an irrigation system. This system provides cooling through cascading water and evaporation, improving the microclimate. Inside, a tree is surrounded by a bench. The structure also reduces noise and particulate matter, and provides habitat for birds and insects. The design combines ecological function with a pleasant public space and was implemented with the participation of the local community, who were able to symbolically sponsor individual bricks. The Windcatcher thus represents climate awareness, sustainability, and social cohesion.

"The large-scale fountain sculpture offers, on the one hand, a place of retreat and lingering at this busy traffic intersection, thanks to its structural design, and on the other hand, the object is designed in such a way that its special brick structure creates a space that is permeable to air and light," says the Graz-based artist collective "Breath Earth Collective", who will implement the project.

The Holy Trinity Column was built in the 18th century (1714-1782) to thank for the end of the plague epidemic. It is an excellent example of Baroque art and symbolizes the triumph of the Holy Trinity. Take time to look at the ornate details of the column, the sculptures of the saints and the inscriptions that testify to the history of the city and its religious tradition. Notice the fine details of the column created by local artists and sculptors. The central group of figures represents the Holy Trinity surrounded by angels and Saints Sebastian, Rochus and Charles Borromeo, who were venerated as patron saints against the plague. The column is richly decorated and is an example of the Baroque splendor that was popular in Austria at the time.

Foundation dug in 1753/54, foundation stone laid for the column in 1768, which was erected by the citizens on the basis of a vow to be spared from war, earthquakes, fire and epidemics by the Trinity; in 1755 a basic concept already existed, which was approved by K. Maria Theresia; 1759 marble deliveries from Lilienfeld for the fountain basin, which was not placed on the town hall square until 1766; 1767 contract with St. Pölten sculptor Andree Gruber; 1768 ceremonial laying of the foundation stone; construction progress repeatedly delayed, 1769 up to the main cornice finished, 1774 another contract with Gruber for work up to the pyramid, completed in 1782

Willendorf became known and famous in 1908 through the discovery of the 25,000-year-old "Venus of Willendorf". Other finds at the Willendorf II site show that this area has been inhabited for around 50,000 years.

The Danube Valley in the Wachau region is an absolute highlight and rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour through this area is an unforgettable experience: I've driven the route several times now and discover new impressions and perspectives with every trip. The combination of the Danube panorama, historical sites, and picturesque landscape makes the tour unique. Absolutely top-notch and highly recommended – an experience you simply have to have!