Janus Fountain

The Janus fountain, two thousand years of Strasbourg history

Near Place Broglie, the Janus fountain, also called the Birth of Civilisation, catches the eye. It celebrates the two thousand years of Strasbourg history, symbolised by the Roman god Janus. The Strasbourg audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this original work, full of meaning.

The god of beginnings

The Janus fountain, titled the Birth of Civilisation, was designed to celebrate the two thousand years of Strasbourg. It depicts Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and passages, with two faces turned towards the past and the future. A symbol of the long history of the city, from Roman times to the present day, it stands not far from Place Broglie, near the canal.

What to see

You admire this original monument-fountain, with its rich symbolism, which celebrates the two-thousand-year history of Strasbourg. The double face of Janus invites reflection on the past and the future of the city. It is a stop for those curious about history and art, a stone's throw from Place Broglie and the historic centre.

Practical information

The Janus fountain lies northeast of Place Broglie, near the canal, in the heart of Strasbourg, reachable on foot. It is an open-air monument-fountain, freely visible at all times, with no ticket office. On the level, it is discovered during a walk in the historic centre.

What does the Janus fountain in Strasbourg symbolise?

It celebrates the two thousand years of Strasbourg history through Janus, the Roman god of beginnings with two faces turned towards the past and the future.

Where is the Janus fountain?

Northeast of Place Broglie, near the canal, in the heart of the historic centre of Strasbourg.