Fontaine des Prêcheurs: A Majestic Aix-en-Provence Landmark

The Fontaine des Prêcheurs, located on the Place des Prêcheurs in Aix-en-Provence, is a stunning example of monumental baroque art. Created by Jean Pancrace Chastel in 1758, the fountain stands as a testament to the city's rich history and artistic heritage. At the heart of the fountain is a tall obelisk crafted from Calissanne stone. Atop the obelisk sits a sphere crowned by a white eagle with outstretched wings, a symbol imposed on Chastel to represent reason. The eagle is said to cast a symbolic glare towards the former site of the city's scaffold, adding a layer of allegorical significance to the monument. The fountain's pedestal is decorated with draperies, lions, and four medallions. These medallions, though destroyed and later reconstructed, portray significant figures such as Sextius Calvinus, the founder of Aix; Charles III of Maine, the last count of Provence; Louis XV; and Louis XVIII. The fountain once drew its water from the Pinchinats spring. The Place des Prêcheurs itself was once the busiest thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence, hosting merchants, actors, and chivalrous tournaments before the Cours Mirabeau was built. Today, the Fontaine des Prêcheurs remains a beloved gathering spot, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the city's vibrant life.