2-798-734 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fountain of Elise, Aix-la-Chapelle, 1845. 'The Mineral Springs of Aix rise in the centre of the town: they are of two classes - strong and hot, and weak and cool; the first class, of 143° Fahrenheit, containing a larger quantity of sulphur than any other known in Europe. From this class is supplied the Fountain of Elise, very handsome edifice, with a colonnade; serving as a pump- room and a cafe. The guests, or visitors, repair hither early in the morning to drink the water, which, though conducted in pipes direct from the Emperor's Spring, retains a temperature of 43° Réaumur. A band of music plays at the spot until the middle of September, which is considered the end of the season; and breakfasts and dinners are provided in the apartments during the spring. The building is named after the Queen of Prussia'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.