Vierflüssebrunnen

The Vierflüssebrunnen once stood on Scheidemannplatz in Kassel. It was a square fountain with a base decorated by four dolphins. Two semicircular basins rose above the base, and four niches followed, each holding a sandstone figure representing one of the rivers Fulda, Werra, Lahn or Eder. The sculptor Carl Echtermeyer carved these river goddesses. A domed roof crowned the structure, topped by a lion emblem of the former Electorate of Hesse. The fountain was a gift from Consul Schmidt and opened in August 1852. Hugo Schneider, director of Kassel’s academy, designed the overall plan. Stone-cutting work was carried out by L. Herzog from Hildesheim. The fountain survived the Second World War intact while much of the city centre was destroyed. In 1952 it was taken down during rebuilding and later stored in a city depot. Visitors today find only a plaque on Scheidemannplatz marking the spot. The lion figure and river goddesses are lost, but the square itself remains a quiet open space. The names of the four rivers are still read on the plaque. The site recalls a vanished monument that once linked Kassel’s past with its rivers.