Anna-Seiler-Brunnen (Anna Seiler Fountain), Bern

Anna-Seiler-Brunnen (Anna Seiler Fountain), Bern

Anna Seiler Fountain (Anna-Seiler-Brunnen) is a historical fountain located on Marktgasse in the Old City of Bern. It stands at the upper end of the street and commemorates Anna Seiler, the founder of Bern's first hospital. The fountain, a Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bern's Old City.

Constructed in 1545, the fountain features a statue of Anna Seiler dressed in a blue gown, pouring water into a small dish, symbolizing her nurturing spirit and commitment to healthcare. The pillar supporting the statue originated from the ancient Roman town of Aventicum, now Avenches.

Anna Seiler bequeathed her house to the city in her will on November 29, 1354, specifying that it be transformed into a hospital with 13 beds and two attendants. Known initially as the Seilerin Spital, it later moved to the Dominican Order's Saint Michael's Island monastery in 1531 and was renamed the Inselspital. The modern Inselspital remains a thriving healthcare institution with about 6,000 employees, treating approximately 220,000 patients annually. Anna Seiler Fountain serves as a testament to Seiler's legacy and her lasting impact on healthcare in Bern.

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Anna-Seiler-Brunnen (Anna Seiler Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Anna-Seiler-Brunnen (Anna Seiler Fountain)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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