A Few water fountains in Tampere, Finland: Cultural attestation of water management

Abstract This chapter describes how water influenced the growth of Tampere on the basis of four major water fountains related to the industrial heritage of the city. Tampere, currently Finland's third biggest city, with a population of over 220,000, and the largest inland city in the Nordic countries was founded in 1779. For many years, Tampere was the centre of Finnish industry. The history and development of Tampere have been largely shaped by issues related to water and water management. The city waterworks were established in which connection the industrialist Wilhelm von Nottbeck donated the fountain in the Central Square in 1882. A fountain depicting a swan and a boy and another with a lion theme are also connected to the industrialist von Nottbeck. Each fountain has its own history to tell viewers. Water fountains are probably at their best when they represent and reflect local city culture and heritage as these examples from Tampere.