Fontaine de Janus, Black Forest Travel Guide

Located on Place Broglie, near the Opera House, the Fontaine de Janus is a captivating work of art that embodies Strasbourg's unique cultural identity. Created by Alsatian artist Tomi Ungerer in 1988, it commemorates the 2000th anniversary of Strasbourg, reflecting its Roman origins and its position as a crossroads of French and German influences.The fountain's design incorporates a replica of a Roman aqueduct, constructed from 5,000 bricks, symbolizing Strasbourg's ancient Roman roots as Argentoratum. Though no actual Roman aqueduct has been discovered in Strasbourg, the fountain pays homage to this historical period. The aqueduct structure features inscriptions on each side: "Argentoratum MM" referencing the city's Roman name and the anniversary year, and "Strasbourg 2000".The centerpiece of the fountain is the two-faced bronze head of the Roman god Janus, who represents beginnings, endings, transitions, and duality. One face looks towards Strasbourg's historic center, the Grande Île, representing its French heritage, while the other faces the Neustadt, the German imperial quarter, acknowledging the city's German influences. This symbolizes the city's dual identity and the fusion of Latin and Germanic cultures in Alsace.Place Broglie itself is a significant location in Strasbourg, surrounded by important buildings such as the Opera House, City Hall, and the Bank of France. The square has evolved over centuries, serving as a horse market and later transformed into a tree-lined promenade. Today, it hosts various events, including markets and art exhibitions.