Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice), Bern (must see)

In a city with over a hundred fountains, the Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) in Bern's Old City is a standout attraction. It is the only fountain in Bern that has maintained all its original design features and is recognized as a national cultural heritage site.

Hans Gieng's renowned statue of Lady Justice elevates the Fountain of Justice above other Bernese fountains in artistic value. This iconic figure was replicated across Switzerland until the mid-17th century. At Justice's feet, four smaller busts encircle the base: a Pope, an Emperor, a Sultan, and a Schultheiss. The Schultheiss’s gold chain of office is believed to have originally displayed Bern's emblem. Each figure's eyes are shut, symbolizing submission. They represent the Four Earthly Powers as outlined by Renaissance humanism: theocracy (Pope), monarchy (Emperor), autocracy (Sultan), and republic (Schultheiss).

The statue illustrates how Justice reigns supreme over all earthly rulers—a variation of the medieval motif of virtue conquering vice. Divine Justice was a popular topic in Reformation-era Bern. Reformers believed that practicing justice according to God's word was the highest responsibility of any authority, outweighing feudal rights. They used this argument, among others, to rationalize Bern's takeover of Vaud in 1536 from the Savoy dukes.

While the sword and scales are typical symbols of Lady Justice, the Bern statue's blindfold is a unique addition. This feature later became a widely recognized representation of Justice and a universal sign of equality before the law. The blindfold implies that justice should be served impartially, with decisions made through thoughtful reflection rather than external appearances. Gieng's Lady Justice embodies the principle of republican justice and served as a compelling public reminder of the Bernese Republic's legal authority.