|
We are not sure if this fountain fits the criteria for this category "...Any fountain that once featured running water..." since this one, called Neptune Grotto, NEVER worked, very much to the embarrassment of its creator, renowned German architect Georg von Knobelsdorff.
This genius created such marvels as Sanssouci Castle, but in 1751, when King Frederick the Great desired to have his very own Roman style trick fountain, Knobelsdorff failed miserably. The water was supposed to run down through three basins, creating an artificial waterfall, but there was no mountain close enough to create the necessary water pressure and the fountain never worked. It remains as a reminder that even geniuses can have weak moments. |