Pfeiferbrunnen, Renaissance fountain and drinking water source in Red Quarter, Bern, Switzerland.
The Pfeiferbrunnen features a detailed stone sculpture of a bagpiper accompanied by a golden goose and small monkey, all crafted from durable stone and metal materials with original colors preserved.
Created by master sculptor Hans Gieng between 1545 and 1546, this fountain originally stood in front of Gasthaus zum Kreuz before being relocated to its current position at Spitalgasse 21 in 1919.
The fountain's design draws inspiration from Albrecht Dürer's 1514 woodcut depicting a bagpiper, representing the important role of traveling musicians and minstrels in medieval Bern's social life.
Operated and maintained by Energie Wasser Bern, the fountain continues to provide drinking water to residents and visitors while serving as a functional piece of urban infrastructure at 542 meters elevation.
This fountain is classified as a class A Swiss cultural property of national significance and remains one of the few Renaissance fountains worldwide that still functions as both artwork and water source.
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