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Schüsselbrunnen (Bowl Fountain)

A Blend of Ancient Roman and Late Medieval Art

Towards the eastern end of St Veit’s historical main square stands the Schüsselbrunnen, a remarkable fountain that elegantly blends Roman and late medieval craftsmanship. The wide marble basin standing at the centre of the fountain dates from the Roman period and was probably brought here from Virunum.

Polygonal Base and Pedestal

Resting on a stepped, polygonal base, the pedestal features intricately carved heraldic shields, one of which bears the date 1566 – the year the basin was installed at this location.

Centrepiece and Late-Gothic Bronze Statue

Its centrepiece, a wide marble basin, probably once belonged to a Roman fountain in the ancient city of Virunum, located on the nearby Zollfeld plain. This classical element, repurposed centuries later, stands in graceful harmony with the Late-Gothic bronze figure rising above it – the so-called Schüsselbrunnen Bartele. The figure probably represents a civic official in typical attire from the late 15th century and lends the ensemble a personal, almost lifelike quality.

Listed Monument

Protected as a listed cultural heritage site, the Schüsselbrunnen offers visitors a compelling glimpse into the layers of history that have shaped St Veit.

The fountain is topped by a bronze figure known locally as “Schüsselbrunnbartele”.
The fountain is topped by a bronze figure known locally as “Schüsselbrunnbartele”.
The statue probably depicts a municipal official from the late 15th century.
The statue probably depicts a municipal official from the late 15th century.
The bronze figure wears the costume and cap of miners, symbolising the importance of mining to the town.
The bronze figure wears the costume and cap of miners, symbolising the importance of mining to the town.
Close-up and side view of the bronze figure
Close-up and side view of the bronze figure
Large marble basin from Roman times, brought here from Virunum.
Large marble basin from Roman times, brought here from Virunum.
Bottom to top: polygonal stepped base, pedestal, large marble basin, cylindrical plinth, bronze figure
Bottom to top: polygonal stepped base, pedestal, large marble basin, cylindrical plinth, bronze figure
The fountain is located towards the eastern end of the main square.
The fountain is located towards the eastern end of the main square.

Historical Photograph
Image Source: Archive of the Municipal Authority of St. Veit an der Glan

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Late-Gothic Bronze Statue
Photograph taken in 1965

This Late-Gothic bronze statue is locally known as the Schüsselbrunnen Bartele and is thought to represent a civic official from the late 15th century.

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