The original statue was commissioned to commemorate the 300th anniversary of poet Simon Dach's birth.
The original sculptor, Alfred Künne, was a native of Tharau, the same village where the real Anna Neander lived.
The statue was missing for over 40 years before a replica was cast by sculptor Harald Haacke in Germany.
The poem associated with the statue was set to music in the 18th century, becoming a popular German folk song.
During the Soviet era, the fountain was removed and replaced with a statue of Vladimir Lenin, which was later demolished.
The Ännchen of Tharau fountain is the historical symbol of Klaipėda, located in the center of Theater Square. The bronze sculpture depicts a young woman, a tribute to Anna Neander, the daughter of a 17th-century local pastor who became the subject of a famous poem by Simon Dach. The current sculpture is a 1989 replica, as the original 1912 work by sculptor Alfred Künne disappeared during the aftermath of World War II. The fountain base features four bronze relief portraits representing Simon Dach and his colleagues. The site serves as the focal point for the city's major public festivals and outdoor performances. It stands directly in front of the historic Klaipėda Drama Theatre. The square is paved with cobblestones and surrounded by restored 19th-century architecture. It is an open-access public monument available for viewing year-round.
From the far side of the square looking toward the Drama Theatre with the fountain in the foreground.
Visit during the evening to see the sculpture illuminated against the backdrop of the illuminated theater facade.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Old Town, which is highly compact and walkable.
Check the local event calendar, as the square is often home to seasonal food markets or music performances.
Do not mistake the modern surrounding businesses for historical landmarks; the square itself is the primary point of interest.
