Wedding Fountain, Vienna Travel Guide

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A stunning Baroque fountain in Vienna's historic Hoher Markt, commemorating an imperial vow and showcasing a unique depiction of marriage.

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Wedding Fountain

The Wedding Fountain, or Vermählungsbrunnen, is a stunning Baroque monument in Vienna's Hoher Markt. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I and completed in 1732, it commemorates the safe return of his son from war and depicts the marriage of Mary and Joseph. This ornate fountain is a highlight of the historic square.

A brief summary to Wedding Fountain

Hoher Markt 10, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wedding Fountain.

Visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the intricate details of the fountain's sculptures and architecture.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Ankeruhr, a unique astronomical clock that puts on a show at noon.
Explore the Hoher Markt itself, known for its historical significance and the Roman Museum located at house number 3.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Schwarzenberg-Denkmal

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Heldenplatz

Beethoven statue

Kaiser-Franz-Joseph-Denkmal

Explore Wedding Fountain on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From St. Stephen's Cathedral, walk north along Graben, a pedestrianized shopping street. Turn left onto a side street like Brandstätte. Hoher Markt, and the Wedding Fountain, will be on your left in about 5 minutes. This is a straightforward, pleasant walk through the heart of Vienna's city center.
Public Transport

Take the U1 or U3 U-Bahn lines to Stephansplatz station. Exit the station following signs towards Graben, then turn onto a smaller side street (e.g., Brandstätte) leading towards Hoher Markt. Alternatively, take bus 1A, 2A, or 3A to the Hoher Markt stop, which drops you directly at the square. A single Vienna public transport ticket costs €2.40.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from a central location like the Vienna State Opera to Wedding Fountain will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €8-€12. Be aware that traffic in the city center can be congested, especially during peak hours.

Discover more about Wedding Fountain

Located in the heart of Vienna's Innere Stadt on the Hoher Markt, the Wedding Fountain (Vermählungsbrunnen) is a striking example of Baroque art and a testament to imperial gratitude. Emperor Leopold I commissioned the fountain in 1702 to fulfill a promise made for the safe return of his son, Joseph, from the siege of Landau. Although Leopold I initiated the project, it was his sons who eventually brought it to fruition after his death, with the fountain being completed in 1732.The fountain's design, initially conceived as a wooden pillar by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, evolved into the elaborate marble and bronze structure seen today. The centerpiece is a depiction of the marriage of Mary and Joseph, a relatively rare motif in Christian art, officiated by a high priest. Statues of the couple stand in water basins, watched over by angels from above. A large, ornate bronze baldachin, supported by Corinthian columns, crowns the scene.Severely damaged during World War II, the Wedding Fountain was meticulously restored between 1950 and 1955, with some elements, like the head of Mary, replaced by copies. A refurbishment completed in 2008 ensures that the fountain remains a highlight of the Hoher Markt. Today, the Wedding Fountain stands as a reminder of Vienna's rich history and artistic heritage, drawing visitors to admire its intricate details and learn its story.