Mary's Washing Place.
There was probably an open-air spring here earlier, but it is certain that the Virtonese were already using it in 1563, when it was mentioned as Fontaine Mère, the Mother Fountain. This spring, situated on the hillside, was so named because it supplied a series of other water points.
First called lavoir Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine's Washing Place), the name changed to Fontaine Marie in 1693. Springs are often placed under the protection of a god and later of a saint.
In 1784, this spring, with its two washbasins, was covered, giving it its current appearance. As a result of a tax on the use of public washrooms in 1815, the Fontaine Marie was reserved for the poorer Virtonese. The introduction of indoor water taps between 1869 and 1876 limited the use of public water supplies.
(Stapperloot)