The fountain was commissioned to replace an older, smaller well that previously occupied the site.
The central obelisk is decorated with coats of arms representing the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg and the city itself.
Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera, the creator, was a prominent member of a well-known family of Würzburg court sculptors.
The stone used for the structure is locally sourced shell limestone, characteristic of regional Franconian architecture.
The figure of Franconia on the pinnacle symbolizes the political and cultural identity of the region during the 18th century.
The Four Tubes Fountain, known locally as the Vierröhrenbrunnen, is an 18th-century landmark situated directly in front of the Würzburg Town Hall. Constructed between 1763 and 1765, it features a central obelisk topped with a statue of Franconia holding a sword and banner. The fountain serves as a primary example of late Baroque sculpture in Würzburg. It was designed by the sculptor Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera. Four distinct pipes, or tubes, feed water into the circular basin from which the monument rises. The site is a central focal point of the city's historic marketplace area. It remains one of the most significant pieces of public civic art in the region.
From the west side of the square to capture the obelisk framed against the facade of the Town Hall.
Visit during the early morning to capture photos without crowds from the surrounding outdoor cafe seating.
Walk around the entire perimeter to view the distinct coat of arms carved into each side of the obelisk base.
Pair your visit with a walk into the adjacent Town Hall courtyard for a glimpse of local administrative architecture.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the fountain basin as it is a protected historical monument.
The fountain is typically turned off during winter months to prevent frost damage to the piping.
