Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain), Bern
The Samson Fountain (Simsonbrunnen), located on Kramgasse in the Old City of Bern, is a historic and culturally significant monument. Constructed in 1544 by Hans Gieng, the fountain is declared a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance. Additionally, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern.
The fountain's central figure is the biblical hero Samson, depicted in Roman attire, embodying the Renaissance-era valorization of strength. Dramatically, the statue shows Samson tearing apart the mouth of a lion, a direct reference to the biblical story from Judges 14:5-20, where Samson is granted immense strength under the vow of abstaining from alcohol and never cutting his hair. This divine gift is illustrated as Samson overpowers the lion on his way to marry a Philistine woman, an act that later prompts a conflict with the Philistines.
A noteworthy detail on the fountain is the inclusion of a weapon and butcher鈥檚 tools on Samson鈥檚 belt, hinting at the fountain鈥檚 likely patronage by the Butcher鈥檚 Guild. This connection is underscored by the fountain's early nickname, the "Butcher鈥檚 Fountain," a title it held until it was renamed to Samson Fountain about 150 years later. This renaming reflects a broader recognition of the fountain's thematic and artistic representation of Samson's story and its significance within the heritage of Bern.
The fountain's central figure is the biblical hero Samson, depicted in Roman attire, embodying the Renaissance-era valorization of strength. Dramatically, the statue shows Samson tearing apart the mouth of a lion, a direct reference to the biblical story from Judges 14:5-20, where Samson is granted immense strength under the vow of abstaining from alcohol and never cutting his hair. This divine gift is illustrated as Samson overpowers the lion on his way to marry a Philistine woman, an act that later prompts a conflict with the Philistines.
A noteworthy detail on the fountain is the inclusion of a weapon and butcher鈥檚 tools on Samson鈥檚 belt, hinting at the fountain鈥檚 likely patronage by the Butcher鈥檚 Guild. This connection is underscored by the fountain's early nickname, the "Butcher鈥檚 Fountain," a title it held until it was renamed to Samson Fountain about 150 years later. This renaming reflects a broader recognition of the fountain's thematic and artistic representation of Samson's story and its significance within the heritage of Bern.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Simsonbrunnen (Samson 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.
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.
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's Historical Churches
They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Swiss Sweets and Pastries
Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...