Pferdebrunnen (Horse Fountain)

The Horse Fountain (Pferdebrunnen) in Duderstadt is located on the historic Horse Market (Pferdemarkt) directly in front of St. Servatius Church. It was erected in 1969 based on a design by artist Herbert Blaschke to commemorate the city's long tradition of horse trading. Since the 15th century, this site served as a hub for farmers and breeders who gathered here to buy and sell their draft animals.

As part of the inner-city redevelopment in 1994, the fountain complex was extensively renovated and expanded thanks to a generous donation from honorary citizen Max Näder. The sculpture features stylized horse figures rising from a central basin, with water flowing in graceful arcs. The design successfully bridges the gap between the site's rustic history and a clean, modern aesthetic using metallic materials.

Today, the fountain is a popular meeting spot within the pedestrian zone of Marktstraße and serves as a vital symbol of local Eichsfeld identity. It marks the transition between sacred architecture and the bustling marketplace. Every year in spring, the reactivation of the fountain's water flow is a celebrated event, signaling the start of the summer season in the historic old town.