The Saint-Lazare fountain

This fountain, built between 1540 and 1543, was originally located at the corner of Place Saint-Louis and Place du Terreau. In 1748, it was moved to its current location. Like all the fountains belonging to the chapter, the Saint-Lazare fountain was placed under the supervision of a canon, who was responsible for maintaining and repairing it.

It became communal property after the Revolution, and was first restored in 1829 by Autun sculptor Claude Carré, before being rebuilt between 1890 and 1893 under the supervision of Jean Roidot, inspector of historic monuments.

Circular in plan, the fountain consists of two superimposed levels known as lanterns. The lower level features a dome supported by three pilasters and fluted columns with Ionic capitals. A basin stands in the centre of the fountain. Each of the bays is topped by a pediment crowned with a vase.

The frieze bears the Latin inscription: CHRISTO VITAE FONTI LAZARO QUE REDIVIVO EIU AMICO ET HOSPITID MDXLIII which means: " To Christ, fountain of life, and to the risen Lazarus, his friend and host. 1543".

Caissons decorated with a variety of motifs decorate this level, as do the interlocking scales covering the dome. The second level is a smaller version of the first, in Corinthian order. The interior frieze bears the Latin inscription: HEUS TU QUI SITIS BIBE NUNQUAM SITITURUS which means: " You who are thirsty, drink and you will never be thirsty again ". The whole is topped by a pelican, piercing its flank to feed its young with its own blood, a traditional figure of Christ's sacrifice.