Built: 1526
Founded by: Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg, Archbishop of Mainz
Style: Renaissance

Wells were essential to everyday life in the early modern period. A central water supply, such as had existed in Mainz during Roman times, no longer existed. The population obtained their water from the many wells located near their homes. However, the groundwater in these wells was usually heavily polluted.

There were only a few public wells. However, they provided clean groundwater, and "well masters" were responsible for ensuring its quality. In addition, they were popular meeting places for socializing: people would go to fetch water, chat, gossip, and exchange information.

At first glance, the construction of the colorful and beautifully decorated market fountain in 1526 appears to be a generous gesture by an elector who was very concerned about the well-being of his citizens. However, if you take a closer look at the artwork and the historical events of that time, it becomes clear that this noble donation was not entirely altruistic.

Two years before the market fountain was built, the Peasants' War had broken out in the country. The peasants' rebellion for social justice and freedom soon spread to the population of Mainz. Amidst the clamor of weapons, they demanded the abolition of aristocratic and clerical privileges in a list of 31 articles. With the return of the imperial troops after their victorious battle in Pavia, the rebels were crushed in 1525, restoring the old balance of power between the people and the authorities.

The six-meter-high three-support fountain is made of red sandstone. Two steps lead up to the trough of the draw well. The fountain is divided by the three pedestals of the flat relief pillars. Above the triangular beams is a crown made of light-colored sandstone.

The cherubs bearing the coat of arms of Archbishop Emmerich Joseph von Breidbach-Bürresheim and the city of Mainz were added during restoration work after the cathedral fire of 1767.

A pillar canopy marks the upper end of the fountain. Originally, a flag crowned the fountain, but it was replaced by the Madonna figure in 1889.

The events of the Peasants' War are also documented in the inscriptions and forms of the Mainz market fountain. They revolve around the themes of virtue, victory, and transience. The depiction of a drunkard with a skull above him and the inscription "O Bedenck das End" (Consider the end) on one of the fountain's pillars is particularly striking. Albrecht may have wanted to use the figures depicted to illustrate the deadly sins, in this case drunkenness.

The two magnificent coats of arms represent the founder, Albrecht von Brandenburg.

With the redesign of Höfchen, Markt, and Liebfrauenplatz, the market fountain returned to its original location in front of the cathedral houses towards Liebfrauenplatz in 1974/75.

As a symbol of unsuccessful rebellion, a testament to historical events, and a richly decorated representation of princely vanity, the Mainz market fountain is definitely worth a closer look.