Aschrottbrunnen
A unique inverted fountain, a powerful memorial to a destroyed original, symbolizing remembrance and anti-fascism.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
A quiet place for reflection
Aschrottbrunnen
Best Time
A quiet place for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique inverted fountain, a powerful memorial to a destroyed original, symbolizing remembrance and anti-fascism.
"A silent memorial with powerful meaning, urging remembrance and respect."
Step Onto the Fountain
To truly understand its meaning, visitors should step onto the fountain itself. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Plaque
A nearby plaque honors Sinti and Roma deportations, adding to the memorial's depth. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Inverted Fountain
In front of Kassel City Hall
A striking 'negative fountain' buried underground, symbolizing remembrance and anti-fascism.
Historical Context Plaque
Near the fountain
A plaque nearby commemorates the deportation of Sinti and Roma, adding another layer to the site's historical significance.
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A Monument to Remembrance
Subtle Significance
+1 Visitors are encouraged to step onto it to fully grasp its meaning and impact. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Step Onto the Fountain
To truly understand its meaning, visitors should step onto the fountain itself. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Plaque
A nearby plaque honors Sinti and Roma deportations, adding to the memorial's depth. :world_map:
It's a Memorial, Not a Selfie Spot
This is a place for quiet contemplation and respect, not for casual photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Step Onto the Fountain
To truly understand its meaning, visitors should step onto the fountain itself. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Plaque
A nearby plaque honors Sinti and Roma deportations, adding to the memorial's depth. :world_map:
It's a Memorial, Not a Selfie Spot
This is a place for quiet contemplation and respect, not for casual photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Aschrottbrunnen is recognized for its profound historical significance as a memorial to the original fountain destroyed by Nazis and its unique, inverted design. Visitors appreciate its powerful message against forgetting and its role as a site for quiet reflection. However, its subtle nature means it can be easily missed, and it's not considered a typical photo opportunity.
"Important point to remember what size on Nationalsocializmus in Germany 1939 was. Original fountain built 1908. by Sigmund Ascrott, 12 meter tall and beautiful was 1939. deatroyed to the ground only because of the builder origin. 1987, for a strong message, original one was rebuild - but opposite, burried to the ground and in negative - to remind how wrong and negative all that happened was."
Ivan Jovanovic
"Powerful commemorative "inverted fountain" that pays homage to the original fountain once placed here by a Jewish benefactor.
Nearby is a plaque recognizing the deportation of the Sinti and Roma."
Michael Jacobson
"A silent memorial with powerful meaning.
The Aschrott Fountain lies inconspicuously in front of Kassel City Hall – yet its significance is profound. It commemorates the destruction of the original fountain by the Nazis and today serves as a striking symbol against forgetting.
The sunken fountain inspires reflection. Not a place for spectacular selfies – but for quiet moments, remembrance, and respect. Anyone visiting Kassel should pause here for a moment."
BaH JAKOB
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aschrottbrunnen is located directly in front of the Kassel City Hall (Rathaus) in the city center. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many tram and bus lines stopping nearby at the 'Rathaus' station. If you're driving, there are parking garages in the vicinity.
While its significance is profound, the fountain's design can make it inconspicuous. Look for the area in front of the main entrance of the Rathaus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Aschrottbrunnen is an outdoor public monument and is freely accessible to everyone at all times.
As an outdoor memorial, the Aschrottbrunnen is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility and understanding.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Aschrottbrunnen is a powerful memorial to the original fountain, donated by Jewish industrialist Sigmund Aschrott in 1908 and destroyed by Nazis in 1939. It was rebuilt in 1987 as an inverted, sunken monument to serve as a constant reminder of this historical injustice and the fight against forgetting.
The inverted design symbolizes the destruction of the original fountain and the negative impact of the Nazi regime. It's a deliberate artistic choice to provoke thought and remembrance.
To fully appreciate its message, it's recommended to step onto the fountain itself. This allows you to engage with the artwork and its historical context more directly.
While you can take photos, the Aschrottbrunnen is primarily a solemn memorial. Many visitors suggest it's not a place for casual selfies but rather for quiet reflection and respect.
Yes, there is a plaque near the Aschrottbrunnen that specifically commemorates the deportation of the Sinti and Roma, adding another layer of historical significance to the area.
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Deep Dives
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The History and Symbolism of the Aschrottbrunnen
In 1987, the fountain was rebuilt, but with a profound twist: it was constructed as a 'negative fountain,' inverted and buried into the ground. This design serves as a stark and powerful reminder of the destruction, the loss, and the atrocities committed during the Nazi era. It stands as a testament to the importance of remembrance and a symbol against forgetting.
Visitors are encouraged to step onto the fountain to fully engage with its meaning. This act of physically interacting with the monument helps to underscore its message of remembrance and reflection. It's not merely a decorative piece but a site for quiet contemplation and historical understanding.
Experiencing the Aschrottbrunnen: A Visitor's Perspective
While it's a powerful memorial, some reviews suggest it's not the ideal spot for 'spectacular selfies' but rather for 'quiet moments, remembrance, and respect.'
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