The Wiesbaden Marktbrunnen, which translates to Market Fountain, is a striking landmark that you can’t miss when exploring the city’s historic center. Start your tour around the area here and you will be well placed to walk to a wide range of grand historic sites and fascinating museums. The fountain itself is also exceptionally beautiful, and is a wonderful place to take photos.

Try to imagine how the Schlossplatz, where the fountain stands, would have looked in 1753. This is the year that the fountain was created, and yet despite its great age the landmark is still wonderfully well-preserved. The gold lion that stands atop the fountain still gleams brightly. It stands on its hind legs, holding a coat of arms that features another lion. Because of these two creatures, the fountain is sometimes referred to as the Löwenbrunnen, or Lion Fountain.

After taking a few moments to appreciate the level of detail found in the fountain itself, start getting to know some of the other notable features of the area. Standing directly behind the Marktbrunnen is the impressive Stadtschloss Wiesbaden, a 19th-century palace that today houses government offices. Go on a guided tour to see its wonderful interior.

Opposite the palace is the Rathaus, or town hall, another historic building with a gorgeous façade. And right next door is the Marktkirche, a spectacular Gothic Revival masterpiece. Its distinctive red exterior and tall spires are unmistakable. Step inside and see its statues of Jesus and the Evangelists as well as its many other unique features, including a giant organ.

Visit the Marktbrunnen first thing in the morning and you will easily fill a whole day with discovering the many sights nearby. In addition to those in the square itself, famous Wiesbaden highlights such as the indulgent Kaiser-Friedrich Spa, the grand Kurhaus and the fascinating Stadtmuseum, a museum of local history, are all just minutes away on foot.