Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, Berne

Name: Anna-Seiler-Brunnen
Address: Berne, Switzerland

#22 among attractions in Berne

Fountain, Vernacular architecture

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Berne, the capital city of Switzerland, the Anna-Seiler-Brunnen is a historical fountain that combines utility with a rich narrative. This fountain, a testament to the city's medieval past, is not just a source of water but also a monument to the founder of the first hospital in Berne, Anna Seiler.

The fountain dates back to the 16th century and is named after Anna Seiler, a philanthropist who, in 1354, bequeathed her house to establish a hospital for the citizens of Berne. The hospital, which eventually became the Inselspital, still stands today as one of the leading medical institutions in Switzerland. The Anna-Seiler-Brunnen serves as a commemoration of Seiler's generous act and her contribution to the welfare of the city.

Located on Marktgasse, one of the streets in the city's well-preserved medieval center, the fountain is an easily recognizable landmark due to its distinctive figure. Atop the fountain stands a statue of Anna Seiler in period dress, holding a flag in one hand and with the other, pouring water symbolically, representing her nurturing role in the city's history.

The fountain's design is typical of the many fountains found throughout Berne, featuring a stone basin and a pillar supporting the statue. These fountains were not only decorative but also served a practical purpose, providing fresh water to the residents of the city before the advent of modern plumbing.

Visitors to Berne can appreciate the Anna-Seiler-Brunnen as part of the city's cultural heritage. It is one of the many fountains in Berne that are supplied with water from the city's own springs, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water just as it did centuries ago.

The Anna-Seiler-Brunnen remains a point of interest for those exploring the city's historical avenues. It is a reminder of the legacy of a woman whose compassion and foresight continue to impact the city to this day. The fountain is easily accessible to tourists and serves as a perfect spot for a brief rest or a contemplative moment amidst the bustling city life.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 46°56'54"N, 7°26'39"E

Address

Innere Stadt (Gelbes Quartier)Berne Switzerland

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Day trips

Anna-Seiler-Brunnen – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Kramgasse, Zytglogge, Bundesplatz, Church of the Holy Ghost.

~1490 ftE
Shopping district, Shopping
Kramgasse, Berne
8 min walk • Kramgasse is the heart of Berne's shopping district, an emblematic street that captures the essence and charm of Switzerland's capital. Nestled in the city's medieval center, this long, cobbled lane is bordered by historic sandstone buildings that house a variety of...
~990 ftE
Mechanical clock tower and astrolabe
Zytglogge, Berne
5 min walk • The Zytglogge is an iconic landmark and a historical timepiece located in the heart of Berne, Switzerland. This medieval clock tower, with its ornate astronomical clock, is a testament to the city's rich heritage and has been a sentinel of time for the residents...
~360 ftS
Square
Bundesplatz, Berne
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Switzerland's capital, Bundesplatz is a central square that epitomizes the harmony of historical significance and contemporary civic life in Berne. This expansive plaza, bordered by the Bundeshaus, Switzerland's Federal Palace, serves as a grand...
~890 ftW
Church, Baroque architecture
Church of the Holy Ghost, Berne
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Berne, the Church of the Holy Ghost is a revered architectural gem and a place of spiritual significance. This historic church stands out with its imposing structure and has been a staple of the city's skyline for centuries.
~810 ftE
Landmark fountain from the 16th century
Kindlifresserbrunnen, Berne
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Berne, Switzerland, stands the Kindlifresserbrunnen, a fountain that has sparked intrigue and curiosity for centuries. This unique piece of public art, often referred to as the "Child Eater Fountain," is as mysterious as it is captivating.
~860 ftNE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Bern Theatre, Berne
5 min walk • Bern Theatre, known in the city as Stadttheater Bern, is an opera house and theatre in Bern, Switzerland. The theatre opened in 1903 and was modernised between 2015-2016 with significant structural changes made to the backstage and auditorium.
~200 ftNW
Forts and castles
Holländerturm, Berne
1 min walk • The Holländerturm is a former defensive tower in the old city of Bern in Switzerland. It is part of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern.
~80 ftW
Observation decks and towers, View point
Käfigturm, Berne
1 min walk • The Käfigturm is a medieval tower in Bern, Switzerland. It is part of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern and the tower is a Cultural Property of National Significance.
~980 ftW
Square
Bahnhofplatz, Berne
5 min walk • The Bahnhofplatz is a plaza just outside the Old City of Bern, the medieval city center of Bern, Switzerland. It was built following the destruction of the Christoffelturm which had been part of the third city wall. It is located north of Bubenbergplatz and surrounds the Heiliggeistkirche and Bern's central train station.
~210 ftSW
Square
Bärenplatz, Berne
1 min walk • The Bärenplatz is a plaza in the Old City of Bern, the medieval city center of Bern, Switzerland. It is part of the Innere Neustadt which was built during the second expansion from 1255 to 1260.
~400 ftN
Square
Waisenhausplatz, Berne
2 min walk • The Waisenhausplatz is a plaza in the Old City of Bern, the medieval city center of Bern, Switzerland. It is on the edge of the Innere Neustadt which was built during the second expansion from 1255 to 1260, though the plaza was not built until later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Anna-Seiler-Brunnen?

Nearby attractions include Käfigturm, Berne (1 min walk), Holländerturm, Berne (1 min walk), Bärenplatz, Berne (1 min walk), Marktgasse, Berne (2 min walk).

How to get to Anna-Seiler-Brunnen by public transport?

The nearest stations to Anna-Seiler-Brunnen:

Tram

Bärenplatz • Lines: 6, 7, 8, 9 (2 min walk)
Zytglogge • Lines: 6, 7, 8, 9 (5 min walk)

Trolleybus

Bärenplatz • Lines: 12 (2 min walk)
Bern Bahnhof • Lines: 11, 12, 20 (5 min walk)

Bus

Bundesplatz • Lines: 10, 19 (3 min walk)
Zytglogge • Lines: 10, 19, 30, 9B, M3 (5 min walk)

Train

Bern DMB (5 min walk)
Bern (6 min walk)

Light rail

Bern RBS • Lines: Re, S7, S8, S9 (6 min walk)