Caritasbrønden (Caritas) is located in the heart of the city’s oldest square, called Gammeltorv. Take a break from sightseeing in the historic city centre or shopping on Strøget, Copenhagen’s pedestrian mall, and enjoy the activity around the city’s oldest fountain. The Caritas Well, as the iconic feature is also known, is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Given to the city by King Christian IV, the Caritas fountain was once a major source of water for the citizens. It has been relocated and today the water feature is purely ornamental and acts as an iconic centerpiece for the square.
Visit the fountain to see its ornate beauty, with bronze and copper figures adorning its top. Study the intricate carvings incorporated into the design. The stone base holds a column with a large copper basin, on top of which sit a pregnant mother and her children. Water cascades from both statues, eventually making its way to the pool below. The figures symbolise love and charity (caritas in Latin) and hold great importance to the people of the city. If you need some good luck, throw a coin into the copper basin. It may just work!
The whole square has a lively atmosphere, day and night. Buskers are a mainstay of the square. A number of fast-food outlets in the area attract large groups of youth snacking by the roadside. If you have also built an appetite, grab a pølser (hot dog) from a nearby food cart and sit by the fountain edge for some people-watching. The stream of pedestrians on the mall seems endless, since the adjoining Strøget is Copenhagen’s most popular retail precinct.
The Caritas fountain is located in the heart of Copenhagen and is best reached on foot via the city’s pedestrian mall or by bus. Some street parking is available for a fee just south of the fountain.
