Simsonbrunnen (Samson Fountain), Bern

The Samson Fountain (Simsonbrunnen), located on Kramgasse in the Old City of Bern, is a historic and culturally significant monument. Constructed in 1544 by Hans Gieng, the fountain is declared a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance. Additionally, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern.

The fountain's central figure is the biblical hero Samson, depicted in Roman attire, embodying the Renaissance-era valorization of strength. Dramatically, the statue shows Samson tearing apart the mouth of a lion, a direct reference to the biblical story from Judges 14:5-20, where Samson is granted immense strength under the vow of abstaining from alcohol and never cutting his hair. This divine gift is illustrated as Samson overpowers the lion on his way to marry a Philistine woman, an act that later prompts a conflict with the Philistines.

A noteworthy detail on the fountain is the inclusion of a weapon and butcher’s tools on Samson’s belt, hinting at the fountain’s likely patronage by the Butcher’s Guild. This connection is underscored by the fountain's early nickname, the "Butcher’s Fountain," a title it held until it was renamed to Samson Fountain about 150 years later. This renaming reflects a broader recognition of the fountain's thematic and artistic representation of Samson's story and its significance within the heritage of Bern.