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Donnerbrunnen: A Baroque Masterpiece

Admire Vienna's Baroque beauty at the Donnerbrunnen, a historic fountain in Neuer Markt featuring allegorical figures and a captivating past.

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The Donnerbrunnen, also known as the Providentiabrunnen, is a stunning Baroque fountain in Vienna's Neuer Markt. Created by Georg Raphael Donner in the 18th century, it features the goddess Providentia and allegorical figures representing Austria's main rivers. The fountain has faced controversy and restoration throughout its history and stands today as a symbol of Vienna's artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Donnerbrunnen

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture better photos.
  • Take a seat at one of the nearby cafes to enjoy a local pastry while admiring the fountain.
  • Explore the Kapuzinergruft (Imperial Crypt) in the nearby Capuchin Church.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Donnerbrunnen is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U1 or U3 subway line to Stephansplatz station. From there, it's a short walk to Neuer Markt. Alternatively, bus line 2A stops at Habsburgergasse, which is also close to the fountain. A single ticket for the Vienna public transport system costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    From St. Stephen's Cathedral, walk southwest on Stephansplatz, then turn left onto Graben. Continue onto Stock-im-Eisen-Platz, then turn right onto Kärntner Straße. Finally, turn left onto Neuer Markt. The Donnerbrunnen will be in the center of the square.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from a central Vienna location, such as the Vienna State Opera, to Neuer Markt will typically cost between €7-€9 and take approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that Neuer Markt is primarily a pedestrian zone.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that Neuer Markt is located in a pedestrian zone with limited street parking. The closest parking garage is Garage Neuer Markt (Neuer Markt 9, 1010 Wien). The entrance is via Tegetthofstrasse. Parking costs approximately €34.00 per day.

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Discover more about Donnerbrunnen

The Donnerbrunnen, officially named Providentiabrunnen, is a significant Baroque fountain located in Vienna's Innere Stadt on the Neuer Markt. Created between 1737 and 1739 by Georg Raphael Donner, it showcases the artistic talent of the era. The fountain's central figure is Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight, symbolizing planning for the future. Surrounding her are allegorical representations of four of Austria's major rivers: the Traun, Enns, Ybbs, and March. Each river is depicted with intricate detail; the Traun is represented by a young boy catching a fish, the March by a woman resting against a relief depicting a battle, the Ybbs by a young girl with a jug, and the Enns by an old ferryman resting against a rock. The sculptures were originally made from a lead-tin alloy. In 1773, the figures were removed due to concerns about their nudity but were later returned in 1801. To protect them from the elements, the original lead figures were replaced with bronze copies in 1873. The original sculptures can now be seen in the Wien Museum. In 2018, the city began a major redevelopment project on Neuer Markt, including an underground parking facility and pedestrian zone. The Donnerbrunnen was dismantled and stored during construction and was reinstalled in 2022 as the centerpiece of the revitalized Neuer Markt. Today, the square is a welcoming pedestrian space where visitors can appreciate the fountain. The fountain serves as a focal point, attracting tourists and locals to admire its beauty and learn about its history. The Donnerbrunnen is more than just a beautiful fountain; it symbolizes Vienna's artistic heritage and evolving cultural values.

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