Baroque Parnas Fountain in Brno

Baroque Parnas Fountain in Brno

One of the most beautiful Czech Baroque fountains can be found in Brno

The Baroque Parnas fountain is located in the heart of Brno, the largest Moravian city, and is the dominant feature of the central part of the square known as the Vegetable Market. The fountain was built at the end of the 17th century, replacing the previous Renaissance fountain adorned with an eagle. The fountain tank takes the form of a six-pointed star, into which water springs from three metal water spouts - idealized Baroque representations of dolphins. The fountain represents a cave and is richly decorated with many allegorical and mythical animals.  
In the middle of the fountain, there is a three-sided rocky cliff with an artificial cave in its lower part. In its centre stands the mythical hero Hercules, holding a club in his left hand and Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the Underworld, on a chain in his right hand. The fountain also features an allegorical statue of Greece with a Wyvern (winged dragon), Babylonia with a crown at the right foot and a winged lion, and Persia with the Horn of Plenty, a crown and a bear. Beneath the top, there are stone plates with Latin text. On the top of the cliff, there is an allegorical statue of Europe. The entire sculptural decoration of the fountain bears typical features of Baroque sculpture such as flowing shapes and richness of decorative elements, including small animals, dragons and plant motifs enlivening the composition.

Also well worth seeing is the Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, built on the site where Brno Castle once used to stand in medieval times.