Kašna se sochou Spravedlnosti Fountain

Kašna se sochou Spravedlnosti is a Renaissance water work located on the Great Square in Prachatice. This object dates from 1582-1583 and is especially known for the statue of Justice and its historical function as a local source of water. Since 3 May 1958 the monument is protected as a cultural monument.

The need for a new fountain was motivated by the release of an old water work, which is recorded already in 1563. The city council decided to build a new facility to provide sufficient water for fire protection and the needs of the population. In 1581, the moneymaker and stonemason Ondřej Vlach presented a clay model of the future fountain. For his work he agreed on the amount of 405 kop gr. Mímí and in kind a batch of thirty meters of pechatic rye. After his death before the completion of the work it was work to continue with Jan Pilštnycer from Český Krumlov, who carved four lion heads and reliefs according to the original design.

The water work has a polygonal tank with curved edges made of light granite. Stairs to the fountain balance the slope of the square. In the centre of the tank there is a three-piece graduated base with four metal gargoyles. On the attachment there are reliefs: on the north side the emblem of the Czech country, on the southern pechatic city emblem and on the eastern and western Rožberg roses. Under the western rose is carved year YES DNI 1583 and on the opposite side inscription AN MART. _ The dominance of the object is a statue of Justice carved from a rich diorite standing on a high pedestal with swords and scales in its hands; different from traditional images has open eyes.

The original Renaissance fountain was destroyed after the city fire in 1832. In the following year, on the basis of the decision of the regional governor and engineer, the builders beat her up on the spot. Parts of the original work, including the lower part of the base bearing the inscription, were used to build another small fountain. The Statue of Justice was placed on Sibenice Hill after a certain time and moved to the City Museum in 1904. In the original place were created various substitutes, including the late Classicist fountain from 1852 and concrete fountain with bust of emperor Joseph II from 1903.

The original lower part of the pedestal had four lion heads from which the water gushed to four sides. The current bottom square base with gargoyles is probably from the beginning of the 20th century. The water in the porridge is constantly circulating, but it is not drinking due to chemical treatment. During the winter, the tank is released and covered.

Today, the fountain is part of the Great Square in Prachatice, its tour offers an opportunity to explore Renaissance sculpture and the history of urban infrastructure.