Hygieia Fountain

At the heart of the Town Hall’s main courtyard stands a striking statue of Hygieia. In Greek mythology, she’s the goddess of health and cleanliness, and yes, that’s where the word “hygiene” comes from. This fountain was originally supposed to feature Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, as a nod to Hamburg’s long-standing trade heritage. But after a devastating cholera outbreak in 1892 that took nearly 9,000 lives, the city chose a different symbol, Hygieia, shown here triumphing over the dragon of disease. She holds a shell filled with clean water, symbolising health, healing, and the essential role water plays in our lives. Around the base of the fountain are six bronze figures, illustrating the different ways water supports life in Hamburg, from drinking and sailing, to fishing, farming, beauty, and personal hygiene. The courtyard is framed on one side by the rear façade of the Town Hall and on the other by the Hamburg Stock Exchange. Founded in 1558 as a trading hub in the birthplace of the Hanseatic League, it was created to bring national and international merchants together. It remains the oldest stock exchange in Germany still in operation. Take a moment to admire the sculpted details of the Renaissance-style façades surrounding the courtyard. If you look closely, you might spot a playful little figure sneaking a lick from a pastry spoon.