The Singing Fountain: Slovakia's First Musical Fountain
The first musical fountain in Czechoslovakia features a central jet that shoots water higher than the country's most famous natural geyser. Positioned on the central pedestrian axis of Hlavna ulica in Kosice, the Singing Fountain serves as a vital visual and auditory link connecting the gothic St. Elizabeth Cathedral and the neo-baroque National Theatre.
Origins and Soviet Engineering
Built in 1986, the Singing Fountain holds the title of the first musical fountain in the former Czechoslovakia. The project was spearheaded by then-Mayor Rudolf Schuster, who found inspiration during a 1984 visit to a dynamic musical fountain in the Soviet city of Vladimir.
The original blueprints for the Kosice fountain were gifted by Soviet engineers as part of a mid-1980s socialist exchange program. Utilizing patented 1978 technology from Voronezh, engineers from the East Slovak Ironworks collaborated with sculptor Peter Sceranka to bring the ambitious installation to life.
The Carillon Addition
A major reconstruction led by Schuster and architect Juraj Koban between 1996 and 1997 expanded the fountain's features. This project revised the basin and introduced a neighboring carillon. The carillon consists of 22 bells, which collectively weigh nearly 1.35 tonnes. Each bell represents one of Kosice's 22 municipal districts, adding a localized civic meaning to the chimes.
Modern Enhancements and AI Technology
Following a comprehensive modernization that concluded in April 2024, the Singing Fountain now relies on artificial intelligence controls and 43 pumps to choreograph its intricate water shows. The fountain operates daily from spring through autumn.
The technical system is fully integrated with the adjacent National Theatre. This advancement allows live audio and video feeds from stage performances to be broadcast directly onto a specially designed water mist screen. At night, the aquatic display is illuminated by 260 multi-colored LED lights.
A Soaring Aquatic Display
The water jets dance to a diverse repertoire of over 100 to 200 songs, ranging from classical compositions to modern pop melodies. In a surprising display of power, the updated central jet can shoot water up to 24 meters into the air. This impressive vertical reach is taller than the maximum eruption height of Slovakia's famous natural cold-water Herlany Geyser.
FAQ
When was the Singing Fountain built?
The Singing Fountain opened in 1986 as the first musical fountain in the former Czechoslovakia.
How high does the fountain's water shoot?
The fountain's central jet can shoot water up to 24 meters high, which is taller than the maximum eruption height of Slovakia's natural Herlany Geyser.
What is the significance of the 22 bells next to the fountain?
Added during a 1996 to 1997 reconstruction, the 22 bells of the carillon weigh a combined total of nearly 1.35 tonnes and each bell represents one of Kosice's 22 municipal districts.
Does the Singing Fountain operate year-round?
No, the Singing Fountain operates daily from spring through autumn.
