Richard Strauss Fountain

The Richard Strauss Fountain or Salome Fountain is dedicated to Richard Strauss (1864-1949) – a famous composer who is well known not only in his homeland – Germany, but also far beyond its borders. In honor of his famous countryman and his work, this fountain was installed in 1962. This modern Renaissance fountain was designed by sculptor Hans Wimmer, located in the south of Germany, in the small town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The fountain itself looks like this: a Roman column, on top of which a bowl is erected, from which water flows down. The column is quite high and narrows to the top.

On the fountain, the sculptor depicted scenes and inscriptions from the opera Salome by Richard Strauss, which is special because it is the only work of the author on the biblical theme. The Bible says that Herod lavishly celebrated his birthday, and on this holiday danced the daughter of the wife of the culprit of the celebration – Salome. Herod liked Salome’s gift so much that he offered to grant her any wish. After consulting her mother, Salome asked Herod for the head of John the Baptist. Herod liked her request, but he pretended that he had to do it against his will because he had made a promise. And held him back. This story is depicted on the fountain itself.

Some people claim to hear music through the sound of falling water and call the fountain musical.