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

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

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The Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre, located in Rouen, France, is a historic fountain showcasing intricate Gothic craftsmanship. Built in 1517, it stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. The fountain has been rebuilt several times, with the original now residing in the garden of the Rouen Museum of Antiquities.

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 nearby streets to discover local shops and cafes.
  • Take a moment to relax on the nearby benches and enjoy the 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 until the intersection with Rue de la Tour, then turn right. Follow Rue de la Tour until Place de la République, where you'll see the Joan of Arc monument. Head west from the monument down Rue du Gros Horloge, then turn right onto Rue de la Croix de Pierre. Continue straight to Place de la Croix de Pierre, where the fountain is located.

  • Public Transport

    From Rouen Rive Droite train station, take tram T1 towards 'Technopôle'. Get off at the 'Palais de Justice' stop. Head southwest on Rue de la République towards Rue de la Croix de Pierre. After a 5-minute walk, you will arrive at Place de la Croix de Pierre. A single tram ticket costs approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Rouen. A taxi from Rouen-Rive-Droite train station to Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre, a distance of approximately 1.2 km, typically costs between €4 and €6. Taxi fares in Rouen include a pick-up price of €2.00, with kilometer prices varying based on the time of day.

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Discover more about Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre

The Fontaine de la Croix-de-Pierre is a captivating landmark in Rouen, embodying the city's artistic spirit and historical richness. The fountain's origins trace back to the late 12th century. The archbishop Gautier Le Magnifique erected large crosses throughout Rouen in 1197, commemorating the end of his conflicts with Richard Cœur de Lion. A fountain was first built next to one of these stone crosses in 1517, fed by the Carville spring. The fountain has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. It was demolished by Calvinists in 1562 but later restored. In 1792, during the French Revolution, a bust of Marat replaced the cross before being removed in 1795. The fountain was restored in 1816 and reconstructed in 1870 by architect Eugène Barthélémy, sculptor Alphonse Jean, and statuary artist Fulconis. Today, the original fountain is preserved in the André-Maurois square, near the Museum of Antiquities. The replica, faithfully recreated by Eugène Barthélémy, continues to adorn the Place de la Croix-de-Pierre, reminding passersby of Rouen's historical wealth. The fountain consists of a stone pillar, approximately 4 meters high, adorned with a cross. Four faucets surround the pillar, spraying water into a stone pool decorated with animal and plant reliefs.

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