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Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat: A Colmar Landmark

Discover the Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat in Colmar's Champ de Mars, a tribute to a naval hero and a symbol of the city's rich history and artistic heritage, sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi.

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The Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat, located in Colmar's Champ de Mars park, is a notable monument honoring Admiral Armand-Joseph Bruat, a native of Colmar who rose to prominence in the French Navy. Created by Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, the original fountain was inaugurated in 1864. It was the first fountain in Colmar to have a continuous jet of water. The fountain features allegorical representations of the four continents. Destroyed by the Nazis in 1940, the statue was restored in 1958 and placed on a new fountain designed by sculptor Choain and architect Porte. Today, it stands as a symbol of Colmar's history and artistic heritage, offering a tranquil spot for locals and tourists alike to reflect and admire its artistry within the green expanse of the Champ de Mars.

A brief summary to Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Bartholdi Museum to see the original sandstone heads from the first fountain and learn more about the sculptor's life and works.
  • Take a stroll through the Champ de Mars to enjoy the park's serene atmosphere and historical significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at Place Rapp to see the statue of General Rapp and learn about another of Colmar's famous figures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Colmar city center, the Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat is easily accessible on foot. Orient yourself towards the Champ de Mars, a large park recognizable by its open green space. The fountain is located in the center of the park, a short walk from the Place Rapp. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving at Colmar train station (Gare de Colmar), you can take a short bus ride to a stop near the Champ de Mars. Look for TRACE bus lines serving the city center. A single ticket costs approximately €1.50. Alight at a stop near Place Rapp or the Théâtre Municipal, both within a few minutes' walk of the fountain. Alternatively, a 10-ticket carnet costs €10.60.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Colmar. A short ride from the train station or any point in the city center to the Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking is available near the Champ de Mars. Consider parking at Parking Contre-allée Bruat. Parking fees typically range from €1.80 per hour.

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Discover more about Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat

The Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat, a prominent landmark in Colmar, France, stands as a tribute to Admiral Armand-Joseph Bruat, a distinguished naval officer born in the city. Located in the heart of the Champ de Mars, a spacious park that serves as a green lung for Colmar, the fountain is not only a visual delight but also a historical touchstone, connecting visitors to the city's rich past and artistic heritage. Admiral Armand-Joseph Bruat (1796-1855) was a Colmar native who had a distinguished career in the French Navy. He served with distinction in various naval campaigns, including the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where he successfully attacked the Turkish flagship. He also served as governor of the Marquesas Islands and later commanded the French fleet in the Black Sea during the Crimean War. Bruat's contributions to France earned him the rank of Admiral, solidifying his place as a national hero. In 1864, the city of Colmar decided to honor Admiral Bruat with a monument. The task was entrusted to Auguste Bartholdi, a local sculptor who would later gain international fame for his creation of the Statue of Liberty. Bartholdi designed a fountain featuring a bronze statue of the Admiral standing tall, gazing towards the horizon with a spyglass in his right hand. The base of the fountain was adorned with allegorical figures representing the four continents – Europe, Asia, Africa, and America – symbolizing Bruat's extensive travels and naval engagements across the globe. The original fountain was a marvel of engineering for its time, being the first in Colmar to feature a continuous jet of water. It quickly became a beloved landmark, a gathering place for locals, and a source of pride for the city. However, its existence was tragically interrupted during World War II when the Nazi regime destroyed the fountain in 1940 as part of their efforts to erase French symbols and history. Despite the destruction, the spirit of the monument endured. After the war, Colmar residents salvaged the sandstone heads from the original fountain, which are now preserved at the Bartholdi Museum. In 1958, the city decided to reconstruct the fountain, commissioning sculptor Gérard Choain and architect Michel Porte to create a new design that would incorporate the original statue of Admiral Bruat. The restored fountain maintains the allegorical representations of the four continents, albeit in a more contemporary style. The Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat is more than just a monument; it's a repository of stories and cultural significance. Albert Schweitzer, the renowned theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician, attributed his inspiration to become a doctor in Africa to the head of the African figure on the original fountain. This anecdote underscores the fountain's profound impact on individuals and its role in shaping their life's purpose. Today, the Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat continues to be a focal point of the Champ de Mars. The park itself has a rich history, having served as a public promenade since 1745 and later as a military training ground and site for revolutionary ceremonies. The park's layout, with its tree-lined avenues and open spaces, provides a serene setting for the fountain, inviting visitors to stroll, relax, and reflect on the monument's historical and artistic significance. The fountain's location within the Champ de Mars also places it in proximity to other notable landmarks, such as the Place Rapp, which features a statue of General Rapp, another Colmar native who distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars. This juxtaposition of monuments creates a sense of historical continuity, allowing visitors to appreciate Colmar's contributions to French history and culture. The Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat is easily accessible to visitors, being located within walking distance of Colmar's city center and train station. Its central location makes it a convenient stop on any sightseeing itinerary, offering a moment of respite and reflection amidst the bustling city. The surrounding park provides ample seating and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon. The Fontaine dédiée à l'Amiral Bruat stands as a testament to Colmar's resilience, artistic heritage, and the enduring legacy of its native son, Admiral Armand-Joseph Bruat. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Colmar, offering a glimpse into the city's past and a reminder of the values of courage, service, and artistic expression.

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