The Donnerbrunnen is back in Neuer Markt
Vienna’s Donnerbrunnen, the beautiful baroque fountain in Neuer Markt, has been through a lot over the centuries. Originally created in 1739 by Georg Raphael Donner, it features Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight. Around her are several allegorical figures representing Austria’s main rivers – the Traun, Enns, Ybbs, and March.
The fountain’s partially nude statues caused a scandal in 1773, leading to their removal with orders to have them melted down. Luckily, they were preserved and returned in 1801. The original lead sculptures can now be found in the Wien Museum, while bronze copies, installed in 1873, continue to grace the fountain today.
A New Look for Neuer Markt
In 2018, the city announced a major redevelopment of Neuer Markt, including the construction of an underground parking facility and the transformation of the area into a pedestrian zone. To make way for the project, the workers carefully dismantled the Donnerbrunnen in October 2018 and put into storage. After undergoing restoration, they finally reinstalled it in 2022 as the centerpiece of the newly designed Neuer Markt.
A Fountain in Its Perfect Place
As of 2025, the Donnerbrunnen stands proudly once again in a completely revitalized square. After the constructon work, the square is now a welcoming pedestrian space. It now has wide walkways, seating areas, and greenery. Now, it’s far more inviting than before. With no more traffic around it, you can finally enjoy the fountain in a relaxed and open setting.
So next time you’re in Vienna’s city center, stop by Neuer Markt! See the Donnerbrunnen in all its glory. A historic fountain that has once again found its perfect place in the city. Also, make sure to check out our private tours for more Vienna history facts!
