Schwendi Fountain — Attraction in Colmar-Ribeauvillé

Nice and historical plaza in the heart of Colmar with a beautiful fountain at its center

This historic fountain, originally designed by Auguste Bartholdi in 1898, features a striking bronze statue of Lazare de Schwendi (1522-1583). Although it was demolished in 1940, the fountain was lovingly rebuilt after the war with a slightly smaller basin and a new orientation. Today, the statue stands proudly once again at the former customs location.

Lazare de Schwendi served as a war chief from 1564 to 1568 under Emperor Maximilian II, where he fought against the Turks in Hungary. It is believed that he brought back a grape variety from Tokay. Inspired by this legend, Auguste Bartholdi depicted Lazare de Schwendi holding a vine stock...

Many have said it’s small and easy to miss but I would disagree. Beautiful even without water when when visited.

Installed in 1898, this fountain is surmounted by a bronze statue of Auguste Bartholdi representing Lazarus of Schwendi (1522-1583). Demolished in 1940, the fountain was rebuilt after the war with a smaller basin and oriented differently, to accommodate the statue again on the Place de l'Ancienne Douane.

Warlord in the service of Emperor Maximilian II between 1564 and 1568, Lazarus of Schwendi left to fight the Turks in Hungary from where he allegedly brought back the Tokay grape variety. Auguste Bartholdi was inspired by this legend to brandish a vine cep to his statue...

This is a nice fountain monument dedicated to Lazare de Schwendi (1522-83) that is the work of Auguste Bartholdi and was erected in 1898.

I enjoyed viewing the bronze statue of Schwendi in armour, raising his his right hand while holding the vines of Tokay, a variety of grape from the region.

The statue stands upon an ornamental pedestal with extended spouts which spill water into a ground level basin below.

The fountain was not in operation during our recent December visit, instead filled with Christmas wreath, garlands and other holiday...