This fountain was created by the sculptor August Bösch in 1895/96 in remembrance of the newly installed public water network, which supplied St. Gallen’s households with water from Lake Constance.
The fountain is named after Hans Broder (1845-1891) a cantonal judge, who bequeathed the city the necessary money to build the fountain (CHF 20’000.–). It is a triangular shaped fountain column with on top three naiads (water nymphs) or nereids (sea nymphs). symbolising the blessings that water brings.
On the central floor there are three aquatic animals (dolphin, turtle and goose). Three children riding on them. These three riding children illustrate the lindenplace as a meeting place of the three roads. The figures are copies of the originals which can be seen in the Historical and Ethnological Museum.
By the way: If you are here, look over to the roof of the UBS and you’ll see the statues Helvetia and Liberta. These two women are to be seen on our Swiss coins.
