Caritas or Caritasbrønden, to give it its Danish title, can be found at the heart of the city centre in Gammeltorv, Copenhagen’s oldest square. After a busy morning spent sightseeing or enjoying some retail therapy at the Strøget shopping mall, Caritas is the ideal spot to stop and take some time out to watch the world go by. Known locally as the Caritas Well, it is a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors alike, who gather here to sit for a while before carrying on with their day.
Built in 1608, the fountain was originally gifted to the city by King Christian IV. For many years, it played a key role in supplying water to the people living in the city. Today, it is purely ornamental, but enjoys an almost iconic status and is generally regarded to be one of the city’s finest renaissance monuments.
Take some time to study the design of the fountain and you will soon realise just how much detail there is in the design. Figures in bronze and copper decorate the top of the fountain. On top of the stone base, the figures an expectant mother and her children sit atop a large copper basin. Cascades of water from the top and from this column fall and into the pool that surrounds it. The figures symbolise ‘Caritas’, the Latin for love and charity – hence its name. These symbols are held in high regard by the city’s population who also believe their fortunes may change if they toss a coin into the copper basin and make a wish.
Gammeltorv Square has a lively vibe both day and night. There are plenty of dining options here catering for all tastes and budgets. Young people seem to favour the fast food outlets, as they can grab something to eat and sit and enjoy it by the roadside. Do as they do and grab a hotdog or Polser and take a seat at the edge of the fountain. You will see a near constant stream of people entering and exiting the square from nearby Stroget, which is Copenhagen’s busiest shopping precinct.
Located in the heart of the city centre, the Caritas Fountain is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. There is limited paid parking available to the south of the fountain if you are driving. Local buses also stop nearby.
