Fontaine de Janus: Strasbourg's Two-Faced Fountain

Located on Place Broglie, near the Opera House, the Fontaine de Janus is a distinctive landmark in Strasbourg. Created by Alsatian artist Tomi Ungerer in 1988, it commemorated the city's 2000th anniversary, marking its Roman origins as Argentoratum. The fountain's design embodies Strasbourg's unique Franco-German identity. The two faces of Janus, the Roman god of duality, reflect the city's position as a crossroads of European cultures. One face looks towards Strasbourg's historic center, representing its French legacy, while the other faces the Neustadt, the German imperial quarter. The fountain also features an aqueduct-like structure made from 5,000 bricks, symbolizing Strasbourg's Roman past, though no actual Roman aqueduct has been discovered in the city. The inscriptions “Argentoratum MM” and “Strasbourg 2000” on either side of the aqueduct further emphasize this historical connection. The Fontaine de Janus serves as a reminder of Strasbourg's complex history and its role as a bridge between different cultures. It stands as a testament to the city's ability to embrace its dual heritage and its continued importance as a European crossroads.