Fountains to see Switzerland

Fountains with an allegory of Justice were a great success in the reformed cities of the 16th century. In Lausanne, the stone basin dates from 1557 and the statue is believed to have been executed in 1584-1585. The present copy dates from 1930 (the original, unpainted, is on display at the Historical Museum of Lausanne). Above the fountain, a clock comes alive every hour from 9am to 7pm. Accompanied by carillon music, a man's voice briefly tells the history of the canton of Vaud, while pretty characters appear.

When the Sardinian city installs a hydraulic machine and lays its first lead pipes, J. D. Blavignac, imagine some monumental and fanciful fountains dating from the years 1867-1868 and which are now classified as historical monuments. In addition to the architectural work which the artist wanted, they were also used to supply water to the people of Carouge. They are visible at Place du Marché (the most monumental square which is dedicated to the river along Carouge, the Arve), Place du Temple (known for its dragon-like chimeras and its Gothic appearance), Ancienne Street (basin decorated with two bronze swans) and Jacques-Dalphin Street (the least majestic). Blavignac's fountains are signed by his brand, that is, a snail. They are partly carved from local rocks and decorated with bronze sculptures.

Jean Tinguely was a contemporary artist from Fribourg. This animated fountain by the artist is the little sister of the one in Basel. The stone basin is aesthetically combined with the modern sculpture consisting of wheels, metal elements and flexible pipes. It is powered by motor and water, and is a tribute to Jo Siffert, a Swiss racing driver from Fribourg in the 1960s. To be seen in winter because it is particularly impressive when the water freezes, forming beautiful spontaneous ice sculptures.