Mosesbrunnen

The Moses Fountain is a drinking fountain with a stone and metal statue located in Munsterplatz in Bern. The statue shows Moses holding the tablets of the Ten Commandments and stands on a stone base that combines classical and rococo design elements.

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.

The fountain is a nationally protected cultural work and counts among Bern's most important artistic monuments. Its blend of biblical imagery and classical design principles makes it a particularly valuable example of Bernese fountain art.

Location: Bern

Inception: 1791

Creator: Niklaus Sprüngli

Elevation above the sea: 536.5 m

Made from material: stone, metal

Operator: Energie Wasser Bern

Part of: Fountains in Bern, Public art works in Bern, list of cultural properties in Bern / Inner City (East), Old City of Bern

Address: Münsterplatz 12, 3011 Bern

GPS coordinates: 46.94741,7.45057

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05