Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain), Bern
The Moses Fountain (Mosesbrunnen) is a historic fountain located on Münsterplatz in the Old City of Bern. Constructed in 1544 and rebuilt in 1790-1791 after storm damage, it is recognized as a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern. Its Louis XVI-style basin was designed by Niklaus Sprüngli.
The central statue depicts Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Tribes of Israel. Unique to Western art traditions of the Middle Ages, Moses is depicted with two horns on his head. This feature references Exodus 34:29-35, which describes Moses' face becoming radiant after meeting with God. The horns are interpreted as a metaphorical representation of radiance, symbolizing Moses' strength, authority, and glorification of God. This imagery stems from a translation of the Hebrew term "qāran" by Jerome, who saw horns as a metaphor for divine strength.
Moses is shown pointing towards the second commandment, which prohibits the creation of graven images. He faces the nearby Bern Münster Cathedral, which saw many images destroyed during the Reformation. The Moses Fountain remains a notable testament to religious history and artistic tradition.
The central statue depicts Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Tribes of Israel. Unique to Western art traditions of the Middle Ages, Moses is depicted with two horns on his head. This feature references Exodus 34:29-35, which describes Moses' face becoming radiant after meeting with God. The horns are interpreted as a metaphorical representation of radiance, symbolizing Moses' strength, authority, and glorification of God. This imagery stems from a translation of the Hebrew term "qāran" by Jerome, who saw horns as a metaphor for divine strength.
Moses is shown pointing towards the second commandment, which prohibits the creation of graven images. He faces the nearby Bern Münster Cathedral, which saw many images destroyed during the Reformation. The Moses Fountain remains a notable testament to religious history and artistic tradition.
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Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain) on Map
Sight Name: Mosesbrunnen (Moses Fountain)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches
They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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