Fountain of the knight banneret

The fountain of the knight banneret is a drinking fountain with a statue on Rathausplatz square in Biel, Switzerland. A limestone knight sits on his horse, holds a banner and wears full armor with painted details.

A wooden basin from 1401 stood here until 1546, when sculptor Peter Pagan from Nidau created the new stone basin. During transport, a wooden bridge near Pasquart Gate collapsed, which led to further construction work.

The figure shows a banner carrier who once led three hundred fighters from the town and nearby villages during the Burgundian Wars. The banner in his hand marked his role as military leader guiding his troops into battle.

The fountain stands on Rathausplatz square in the old town of Biel at an elevation of 443.5 meters (1455 feet). You can reach it on foot from the city center in a few minutes.

During transport of the stone basin in 1546, the wooden bridge near Pasquart Gate collapsed, leading to additional construction work.

Location: Biel/Bienne

Inception: 1546

Elevation above the sea: 443.5 m

Made from material: limestone, paint

Part of: list of cultural properties in Bienne (old town)

GPS coordinates: 47.14165,7.24652

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:30