Elizabeth Fountain
Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach, Germany
Description:
Thuringia is a federal part of Germany, also called the “Green Heart of Germany”. Between the northern highlands of the Thurinengen Forest and the Hainig National Park is the city of Eisenach. On the northern slope of the hill of Wartburg Castle is the Elizabeth Fountain. It is named after Countess Elizabeth, who was known for her kindness and gentleness, as well as caring for poor people.
The Elizabeth Fountain was built in 1740. Already during the foundation of the castle, the fountain had to be painstakingly carried on donkeys uphill, then stored in barrels or accumulated in a tank, because the location of natural sources was unsuitable for permanent use. The reservoir of the fountain at the bottom was in the rock. To protect against pollution and accidents, access to this niche was closed by a door. At a later stage of design improvement, a shaft was made and the water drained into one or more pools.