Jaśkowa Dolina fountain

The Neoclassical travertine fountain, located at the intersection of Jaśkowa Dolina and Grunwaldzka streets, was created in 1909 to commemorate the most important square in the history of Wrzeszcz. The identity of the designer, builder, and sculptor responsible for the fountain remains unknown.

Object: The fountain takes the form of an elongated cuboid base topped with vases standing on pedestals. Its central section features a raised central avant-corps with a water curtain cascading into a basin below. The dominant element of the fountain’s central avant-corps is a parapet that slopes down on either side, crowned with two cherubs seated on dolphins. The basin floor is made of concrete and divided into four segments by narrow gaps. The stonework is crafted from travertine (a type of limestone characterised by its porous texture). On the side facing the green square, the fountain features a decorative wall with a stone bench and sculptural groups that crown the central section. The three-part front of the fountain, oriented towards Jaśkowa Dolina Street, is richly ornamented with garlands of flowers and shells. The central section is more elaborate and equipped with water jets concealed by shell-like decorations and two dolphin heads. Water flows from the jets into a shell-shaped bowl, from which it spills into a five-sided basin.

Location: The fountain was built during the redevelopment of the Wrzeszcz market square in 1909. It is located in Wrzeszcz, at the junction of Grunwaldzka Street and Jaśkowa Dolina Street. The fountain forms part of the historic urban and architectural composition from the 1909 redevelopment, closing off the southeast side of a rectangular square (along Grunwaldzka Street, between Jaśkowa Dolina and Partyzantów Streets).

Historically, the area where Jaśkowa Dolina, Grunwaldzka, Dmowskiego, Konopnickiej, and Partyzantów Streets now converge was the centre of a village called Wrzeszcz. This naturally evolved into the market square. By the late 19th century, Wrzeszcz (then known as Langfuhr) – already incorporated into the city – began transforming into a metropolitan district. The rural buildings surrounding the market square (Markt) were gradually replaced by eclectic four- and five-storey townhouses. In 1909, the market square was converted from a well-worn open area into a stately urban space. In the southern part of the square, where a watering trough once stood, a richly ornamented fountain was constructed. It has retained its original form and function to this day.

Dimensions: ca. 10 m × 3 m

Condition of the object: very good

Owner/guardian: Gdańskie Wody

Author of the entry: Anna Szynwelska