Christofsbrunnen im Weinhof

Christofsbrunnen im Weinhof stands on the Weinhof, the square in front of Ulm’s Schwörhaus. From the fourteenth to the nineteenth century, this setting served as an important centre of Ulm’s wine trade. A water basin and column support the figure above. Saint Christopher carries the Christ Child, reflecting his role as patron saint of travellers.

Jörg Syrlin the Elder created the original figure in 1584, and a museum now preserves it. A wartime copy was destroyed during the Second World War. The coloured version visible today dates from 1966 and gives the fountain its distinctive appearance. Its structure resembles Ulm’s Fischkasten and Löwenbrunnen, which also combine basins, columns, and sculptural figures.

The Schwörhaus rises directly behind the fountain and dates from 1612. Each year, Ulm’s mayor renews the civic oath from its balcony during Schwörmontag. That promise joins fairness toward rich and poor with the square’s older life of travel and trade. Here, a brightly coloured Christopher still watches over a historic meeting place.