Läuferbrunnen, Renaissance fountain in Mattequartier, Switzerland.
Läuferbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain made of limestone and bronze located in Bern's Mattequartier. Water flows from multiple spouts into a stone basin, with intricate sculptural details throughout its structure.
Hans Gieng created this fountain in 1545 as Bern expanded its public water infrastructure throughout the city. The piece reflects the artistic approach Bern took when building its network of community water sources.
The name refers to a runner, reflecting how this water source served the community's everyday needs in the Old City. Such fountains functioned as gathering spots where locals would meet while collecting water for their households.
This fountain is located in the Mattequartier and offers a convenient spot for visitors exploring the Old City to stop and drink fresh water. The location is easily reached on foot and sits along paths that travelers naturally encounter while walking through historic streets.
This fountain is protected as a Swiss cultural property of national significance and forms part of Bern's Old City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This high status reveals how much Switzerland values Renaissance water sources as expressions of its artistic and craftsmanship heritage.
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