Obelisk Fountain — Attraction in Vienna

One of the most important focal points in the gardens, the Obelisk Fountain forms the visual accent at the end of the eastern diagonal avenue. Erected according to its inscription in 1777, like many other features in the gardens this fountain was designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg. The sculptural elements were executed by Benedikt Henrict. The fountain consists of a basin curbed by a wall with a balustrade decked with vases. The grotto mound at its centre is articulated by three water basins and peopled with river gods. The water flows into the pool of the fountain through the mouth of the central mask and the vases held by the river gods. Borne on the backs of four turtles as a symbol of stability, the obelisk is carved with hieroglyphs purporting to tell the history of the House of Habsburg. They are, however, spurious, as hieroglyphs were not deciphered until 1822. In Ancient Egypt obelisks were co mic symbols associated with the worship of the sun. Crowned by a golden sphere symbolizing the sun, they embody the path of the rays of the sun to the Earth, while the four angles mark the...

The obelisk fountain in the Schonbrunn Vienna complex was erected in 1777. It is located to the east of the other visited Fountain of Neptune along the avenue about 450 meters from it. The fountain is an obelisk and in front of it a pool. Water flows from a central mask and vases held by statues of river gods. It is richly decorated with other small statues and ornaments. The obelisk is covered with hieroglyphs, and on its top there is a small sphere on which an eagle is perched. Because it is in the Schonbrunn Park, it can be visited from 6.30 am to 4.30 pm, but in different seasons the opening hours may be different. GPS-...

Unfortunately the fountain was not functioning but was still impressed. There is a plaque giving the history of the fountain which was very informative. It was erected in the mid 1700s and consist of an Egyptian Obelisk and a stone grotto with various statues representing gods. And purportedly tells the story of the Habsburg dynasty. Would like to return in the summer months next time when...