Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain), Bern
The Bagpiper Fountain (Pfeiferbrunnen) is a celebrated piece of Bern's historical and cultural heritage, situated in the charming Old City. This 16th-century fountain, which was crafted by Swiss Renaissance sculptor Hans Gieng in 1545-46, stands out as one of the city鈥檚 most original and vibrant fountains. The design of the Bagpiper statue was inspired by a 1514 woodcut by the renowned German artist Albrecht D眉rer.
Characterized by its colorful figures, the fountain depicts a cheerful scene where a bagpiper, accompanied by a golden goose and a small monkey playing the flageolet, jovially performs. This assembly is symbolic, celebrating themes of cheerfulness, life, music, dance, and culinary delights. Such themes were typical of the era and resonated with the social activities around fountains, which were vital communal spots in medieval Bern.
Originally, the Pfeiferbrunnen was located in front of Gasthaus zum Kreuz, a guesthouse that catered to traveling minstrels who were the entertainers of the medieval period, often sharing songs and stories of far-off places and events. The choice of a bagpiper as the fountain's centerpiece is likely a nod to these minstrels and the stories they brought with them.
The current basin of the fountain dates back to 1889, and in 1919, the fountain was moved to its present location at Spitalgasse 21, a shift from its original placement. This relocation was part of broader urban adjustments, yet the fountain has continued to be a prominent cultural landmark.
The Bagpiper Fountain is not just an artistic expression; it's also listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This status underscores the fountain's importance in Swiss cultural heritage, preserving its historical value and continuing to be a point of interest and enjoyment for both locals and visitors in Bern.
Characterized by its colorful figures, the fountain depicts a cheerful scene where a bagpiper, accompanied by a golden goose and a small monkey playing the flageolet, jovially performs. This assembly is symbolic, celebrating themes of cheerfulness, life, music, dance, and culinary delights. Such themes were typical of the era and resonated with the social activities around fountains, which were vital communal spots in medieval Bern.
Originally, the Pfeiferbrunnen was located in front of Gasthaus zum Kreuz, a guesthouse that catered to traveling minstrels who were the entertainers of the medieval period, often sharing songs and stories of far-off places and events. The choice of a bagpiper as the fountain's centerpiece is likely a nod to these minstrels and the stories they brought with them.
The current basin of the fountain dates back to 1889, and in 1919, the fountain was moved to its present location at Spitalgasse 21, a shift from its original placement. This relocation was part of broader urban adjustments, yet the fountain has continued to be a prominent cultural landmark.
The Bagpiper Fountain is not just an artistic expression; it's also listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This status underscores the fountain's importance in Swiss cultural heritage, preserving its historical value and continuing to be a point of interest and enjoyment for both locals and visitors in Bern.
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Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Pfeiferbrunnen (Bagpiper Fountain)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Z盲hringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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