Mosesbrunnen, Historic fountain in Münsterplatz, Switzerland.
The Mosesbrunnen stands on Münsterplatz in Bern's Old City: an octagonal stone basin with a moulded rim, a fluted column on a base carved with hanging garlands, and a gilded, blue-robed Moses holding two tablets at the top. Two thin metal spouts release water into the basin. The figure dates from 1544; the basin and column were rebuilt in 1791, probably to Niklaus Sprüngli's design.
The original fountain dates to 1544 but was completely rebuilt between 1790 and 1791 by Niklaus Sprüngli after storm damage. This reconstruction shaped the appearance of the structure that survives today.
The statue depicts Moses with rays of light emerging from his head, referencing a biblical encounter with the divine. This representation reflects the religious symbolism common in Bern's public fountains.
The fountain is located on Munsterplatz and provides free drinking water year-round for visitors and residents. It is maintained by Energie Wasser Bern and easily accessible to the public.
Since 2016, the city has held an annual March tasting of wines from its La Neuveville vineyard beside the fountain, called "Le Neuveville Nouveau", interrupted during the coronavirus years. The wines are poured free of charge. The fountain's water comes from the Energie Wasser Bern network and is tested regularly.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,036 contributors worldwide.
