Kašna Amfitrite (Jičín) Fountain

Welcome to the heart of historical Jicin. You are standing in Valdštejn Square, where time has stopped and where the daily life of the city meets its rich past. In front of your eyes stands the beautiful and noble fountain Amphitrite, which is one of the most important symbols of this square. Look at her standing in the middle of space and her presence bringing peace and harmony to the surroundings. You may be aware of her elegance and the way her shapes depict the surrounding architecture. It is a place that immediately engulfs you with its atmosphere and encourages you to stop and observe.

Let us now return to the past together to understand why this work is so important. This building you're looking at right now is not just an ordinary decoration. It's a classicist piece that came into existence in the year one thousand eight hundred thirty-five. At that time, the world was completely different from today's, and the water had a completely different weight for everyone in the city. In the year one thousand eight hundred thirty-five, the fountain was not only an artistic expression, but above all a practical and necessary element. This fountain served as an important source of water and was a solid part of local water management. Imagine the times when people came to water to pump it for their needs, and when local communities formed around these water resources. The fountain was the artery of a city that provided life and movement in its center.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and the details you have right in front of you. Notice the style in which this work is done. This is classicism, which means that in the overall form of the fountain you seek balance, order and beauty based on simplicity and geometry. The main focus of attention is the statue of the Amphitrite. Look at her figure, standing still and acting noble. This statue is placed on a pedestal that has a very interesting shape. It is an eight-sided base that gives stability to the whole structure and also brings some geometric accuracy into its form. Now try to look even closer, where the water flows. Notice the tiny but very important details that make up the water gargoyles. They're fish heads. This work of an artist is fascinating because it combines the beauty of sculpture art with a practical function, when water flows out of these fish heads and creates a pleasant sound that accompanies visitors to this square.

Who is behind this beauty? Who carved these shapes in stone and gave the porridge to her soul? A man named Jan Sucharda is behind this work. He was a capable sculptor who came from a place called New Paka. His work today allows us to see the world of his imagination and his artistic feeling. Sucharda was able to combine the needs of the city with the high art standard of his time. Thanks to his talent, we have the opportunity today to admire this work that has survived centuries and remained a solid part of this city's identity. His name is carved into history in this place as the name of the creator who was able to breathe life into even a still stone.

You may feel that this fountain has always stood here in this exact position, but history has prepared a little mystery for us that may surprise you. Although it is firmly anchored today and appears to be an inherent part of the square, its path to this place was not straightforward. Originally, this fountain was built in a completely different place in this square. It wasn't until the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty that she was moved to her current location, which you're seeing right now. Imagine what Valdstein Square looked like over a hundred and forty years ago when the fountain was in another place. This change shows us how the city's needs change, how the urban plan changes, and how the view of what is most important for public space changes. So the fountain had to adapt to the new life of the city.

It is also important to mention how much this work is valued. In a thousand and nine hundred and fifty-eight, Amfitrite fountain was officially recognised and registered as a cultural monument. This means that its value is not only aesthetic, but it is also a historical treasure that we have an obligation to protect for future generations. It's proof of how deep the roots of this city are and how important the footprints our ancestors left behind are to us.

Now that you have seen this beautiful memory, have recognized its creator and its hidden story about the movement, I suggest you continue your next walk. Valdstein Square is just the beginning. Every alley, every house, and every stone in this city has its own story waiting to be discovered. Let yourself drift through the atmosphere of Jicin, observe the details around you and enjoy every moment spent in this historic environment. Thank you for spending this moment with our recording and for stopping by the Amfitrite fountain. We will outstrip you a beautiful journey and many other experiences in the next exploration of this beautiful city. We bid you farewell and wish you a pleasant continuation to discover all the hidden treasures that Jicin has to offer you.