Vennerbrunnen (Banner Carrier Fountain), Bern
The Banner Carrier Fountain (Vennerbrunnen) is situated on the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz) within the Old City of Bern. This fountain is not only a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance but is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern. Strategically positioned in front of the old city hall, or Rathaus, the fountain symbolizes the significant military-political role of the "Venner," a title held in medieval Switzerland.
The Venner played a crucial role in local governance and defense, responsible for maintaining peace and leading troops into battle for their designated city sections. In Bern, the Venner held substantial influence and was integral to the city's operations. Connected to various guilds, Venners were selected from their respective guilds, and the position was one of the only two from which the Schulthei脽, or Lord Mayor, could be chosen.
The statue that graces the Banner Carrier Fountain was constructed in 1542 by the artist Hans Gieng. It depicts a Venner in full armor, proudly holding a banner. This figure has a rich history of resilience and restoration. During the invasion of the French "Grande Arm茅e" in 1798, the statue suffered damage when a soldier tore down its metal plate, resulting in the breaking off of its left underarm. For an extended period, this damage was neglected, and historical records indicate that the armored figure was once propped up on a cane rather than his sword. However, after many years and several relocations, the statue has been meticulously restored and now stands elegantly atop its Corinthian pillar on Town Hall Square, continuing to serve as a testament to Bern's rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Venner played a crucial role in local governance and defense, responsible for maintaining peace and leading troops into battle for their designated city sections. In Bern, the Venner held substantial influence and was integral to the city's operations. Connected to various guilds, Venners were selected from their respective guilds, and the position was one of the only two from which the Schulthei脽, or Lord Mayor, could be chosen.
The statue that graces the Banner Carrier Fountain was constructed in 1542 by the artist Hans Gieng. It depicts a Venner in full armor, proudly holding a banner. This figure has a rich history of resilience and restoration. During the invasion of the French "Grande Arm茅e" in 1798, the statue suffered damage when a soldier tore down its metal plate, resulting in the breaking off of its left underarm. For an extended period, this damage was neglected, and historical records indicate that the armored figure was once propped up on a cane rather than his sword. However, after many years and several relocations, the statue has been meticulously restored and now stands elegantly atop its Corinthian pillar on Town Hall Square, continuing to serve as a testament to Bern's rich historical and cultural heritage.
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Vennerbrunnen (Banner Carrier Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Vennerbrunnen (Banner Carrier 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...