While many of you are aware that Vienna’s water supply is piped directly from the Austrian Alps south of Vienna, you probably don’t know that the fountain in front of the Russian monument on Schwarzenbergplatz was set up to celebrate the completion of the first pipeline to deliver that water.

The fountain, known as the Hochstralbrunnen (Jet Fountain), was built in 1873 and is colorfully illuminated at night. The fountain was designed to rise up to 45 meters. Vienna’s wind, however, has prohibited the full water pressure from being applied and only a maximum height of 30 meters is reached nowadays.

The monument behind the fountain was set up in 1945 and commemorates the Russian liberation army of World War II.

The equestrian statue on the plaza in front of the fountain honors Field Marshal Prince Karl Schwarzenberg, commander at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The Schwarzenberg palace, still owned by a Schwarzenberg, is behind the monument. Primarily used as a hotel and restaurant today, it also houses the Swiss Embassy.

Article Author: Billie Ann Lopez

Billie Ann Lopez was an American freelance writer, born and raised in Kansas. For many years she called Vienna, the city she loved, home. Billie Ann’s articles tell you about the legends, places in Austria not often on the tourist maps and subjects close to her heart. Informative, descriptive and interesting she acquainted you with her Austria.

Billie Ann Lopez passed away September 13th, 2003. She enriched our lives through her friendship, caring and writings. Billie Ann, you are greatly missed. Silvia McDonald