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Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre: A Gothic Jewel of Rouen

Discover the historic Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre in Rouen, a Gothic masterpiece with a rich past and enduring charm.

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The Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre is a historic Gothic fountain located in the heart of Rouen, France. Originally built in 1517, it has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1872. The fountain stands as a testament to Rouen's rich history and artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre

  • 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 early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and capture stunning photos without the crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby streets to discover local shops and cafes.
  • Take a moment to relax on the surrounding benches and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this historic site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rouen Cathedral, walk south on Rue Saint-Romain towards Rue de la République. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Rue de la Tour. Turn right onto Rue de la Tour, and follow it until you reach Place de la République. Head west from the monument, walking down Rue de la Grosse Horloge until you reach the Rue de la Croix de Pierre. Turn right and continue straight until you arrive at Place de la Croix de Pierre where Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre is located. This route is approximately 15 minutes on foot.

  • Public Transport

    From Rouen Rive Droite train station, take the Astuce bus from Gare-Rue Verte to Beaux Arts. The bus ride takes approximately 3 minutes. From there, walk along Rue de la Republique then turn right onto Rue de la Croix de Pierre. The fountain will be located at the end of the street on your right. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2. Public transport is free on Saturdays.

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Discover more about Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre

The Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre, situated in the heart of Rouen's Croix-de-Pierre quarter, is a captivating landmark that embodies the city's artistic and historical essence. This Gothic fountain, standing at the intersection of Rue Saint-Vivien and Rue Saint-Hilaire, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally erected in 1517 near a stone cross from 1197, the fountain was fed by the Carville spring. It has faced numerous challenges throughout its existence, including demolition by Calvinists in 1562 and damage during the French Revolution. In 1792, the cross was replaced by a bust of Marat, which was later removed in 1795. The fountain was restored in 1816 and reconstructed in 1870 by architect Eugène Barthélémy, sculptor Alphonse Jean, and statuary Fulconis. The original fountain is now located in the garden of the Rouen Museum of Antiquities. The current fountain, a faithful replica, showcases intricate Gothic details and religious symbolism. It features a stone pillar about 4 meters high, adorned with a cross, and four faucets that spout water. The fountain also includes a stone pool with reliefs of animals and plants. The Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre remains the only medieval water source in Rouen that retains its original Gothic design.

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