Located just northeast of place Broglie (in square Markos Botzaris), the Janus Fountain, also known as The Birth of Civilization, was designed in 1988 by Alsatian illustrator Tomi Ungerer, on the occasion of Strasbourg’s 2000-year anniversary. The piece is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god.
Tomi Ungerer pointed out that “the Rhineland [had been] at the heart of [his] work”. The two faces of the fountain represent the duality of French and Germanic culture in Strasbourg and Alsace. One of the faces is turned towards the historical city center, while the other points towards the old German imperial quarter of the Neustadt.
The aqueduct structure, composed of 5000 bricks, symbolizes the Roman origins of Strasbourg, where the military outpost of Argentoratum was once located.
Strafari 
11 replies on “Unusual Strasbourg: the Janus Fountain”
Seems like we have travelled in some of the same travel circles. I wanted to let you know…I love your writings.
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Oh thank you, that’s so wonderful to hear! We hope you’ll enjoy our future articles as well.
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That’s interesting. When we can go back to France ..would love to see this area..is it near the German border ?
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Yes, Strasbourg is right next to the German border. You can even take the tram across the Rhine to Kehl, or cross a footbridge from a park that covers both sides of the river. We definitely recommend a visit, the whole region is beautiful!
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Oh great find…
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Thank you ! It’s such an interesting piece.
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Yes I love it
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What a gem of travel knowledge! Thanks
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Wow, thank you so much for your kind comment! We hope you’ll enjoy the rest of our content.
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[…] Walk around the two faces of the Janus Fountain, designed by legendary Alsatian artist Tomi Ungerer (square Markos […]
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