Hanau in Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hesse, Germany — Central Europe

Hanauer Elle und Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen
⎯⎯⎯
The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025

1. Hanauer Elle und Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen / The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Die „Hanauer Elle" am Eingang zum Deutschen Goldschmiedehaus misst 54,38 cm. Sie war das offizielle Längenmaß für den Wochenmarkt, der mit dem Stadtrechtsprivileg von König Albrecht I. vom 2. Februar 1303 gestattet wurde. An fast allen Marktflecken galten unterschiedliche Naturmaße (Fuß, Schritt, Klafter etc.). Erst unter napoleonischer Herrschaft Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts wurden auch in unserer Region Dezimalwerte wie m, cm und Liter eingeführt. Der Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen wurde 1611 vom Rat der Stadt errichtet. Löwenfiguren halten die Wappen der Hanauer Altstadt und der Herren von Hanau-Münzenberg. In der Mitte befindet sich die Darstellung der Justitia als Symbol kommunaler Gerichtsbarkeit. 1767 wurde der Brunnen in der Fassade des Rathauses vermauert, 1928 erfolgte die Rückversetzung. Er überdauerte die Luftangriffe des Zweiten Weltkriegs 1944/1945. Restauriert zum 675-jährigen Altstadtjubiläum (1978) und 2013.

Gestiftet 2021 vom Ortsbeirat Hanau-Innenstadt

(English translation:)
The "Hanau Elle" at the entrance to the German Goldsmiths' House measures 54.38 cm. It was the official unit of length for the weekly market, which was permitted by the town charter privilege of King Albrecht I on February 2, 1303. Different natural units of measurement (“foot”, “step”, “fathom”,

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etc.) were used in almost all market towns. It was only under Napoleon's rule at the beginning of the 19th century that decimal values such as meters, centimeters and liters were introduced in our region. The Fountain of Justice was built by the town council in 1611. Lion figures hold the coats of arms of Hanau's old town and the lords of Hanau-Münzenberg. In the middle is a depiction of Justitia as a symbol of municipal jurisdiction. In 1767, the fountain was walled up in the facade of the town hall and moved back in 1928. It survived the air raids of the Second World War in 1944/1945. Restored for the 675th anniversary of the old town (1978) and in 2013.

Donated in 2021 by the Hanau-Innenstadt local council

Erected 2021 by Stadt Hanau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical date for this entry is February 2, 1303.

Location. 50° 8.191′ N, 8° 55.068′ E. Marker is in Hanau, Hessen (Hesse), in Main-Kinzig-Kreis. It is on Altstädter Markt. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Altstädter Markt 2A, Hanau HE 63, Germany. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

Central Europe,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically,

The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025

2. The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice Marker - wide view

The subject marker is the lowest of the column of three on the southwest corner of the building.

it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire,

the Holy Roman Empire,

and the former West Germany.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pranger / Pillory (here, next to this marker); Altstädter Rathaus / Old Town City Hall (here, next to this marker); Wilhelm Ziegler (here, next to this marker); Firma Jean Wunderlich (a few steps from this marker); „Männchen mit den großen Ohren“ / “Little Man with the Big Ears” (within shouting distance of this marker); Dietrich Bonhoeffer (within shouting distance of this marker); „Mann mit Bart“ / “Man with Beard” (within shouting distance of this marker); Pumpenstock / Water Pumping Station (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanau.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Location of the “Elle” (foot of the staircase, above the white sign) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025

3. Location of the “Elle” (foot of the staircase, above the white sign)

The Hanau “Elle” (= 54.38 centimeters or 1.78 feet or 3.24 bananas) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025

4. The Hanau “Elle” (= 54.38 centimeters or 1.78 feet or 3.24 bananas)

Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen / Fountain of Justice image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025

5. Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen / Fountain of Justice

The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice… image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024

6. The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice…

at the Marktplatz in front of the Deutsche Goldschmiedehaus (formerly the Old City Hall).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.

Hanauer Elle und Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen⎯⎯⎯The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice

Hanauer Elle und Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen
⎯⎯⎯
The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice