Among the monumental fountains in Solothurn, the Dornach Fountain on Rossmarktplatz is the youngest. It commemorates the Swabian War of 1499, in which the Confederates held the upper hand against the troops of Emperor Maximilian. Decisive for the outcome of the war was the Battle of Dornach on July 22, 1499, where the Solothurners under their leaders Benedikt Hugi and Niklaus Konrad fought in the front line.
The fountain was donated in 1930 by the St. Margarithen Brotherhood. The brotherhood commemorates the fallen of Dornach every year in July at the Vorstadt-Chilbi. The tradition says that the suburbanites went directly from the Chilbi to the battle. This includes a scene from the festival play "Die Dornacher Schlacht" (The Battle of Dornach), written by Adrian von Arx for the commemorative year 1899. Before marching off, the Solothurn banner bearer dips the flag into a well trough and pledges with his comrades:
As quickly as the banner may dry in the wind.
Strike in the field at Dornach
We against the enemy the blow
These words are carved, though barely legible, on the upper edge of the octagonal well basin. At the top of the fountain's base is written "To the heroes of Dornach. The Brotherhood of St. Margarithae. 1499 1930" The bronze figure of the armored standard bearer holds up the wet flag.
City tour
Each of the 11 fountains in the city has its own history. The figures served to educate the people. Learn more about the strict rules of water supply in old Solothurn on the fountain tour. A fountain tour is a great idea. Book right here.
Good to know
- The 11 fountains and their history can also be discovered on an individual tour of Solothurn's old town.
