The Justice Fountain

The Justice fountain

A stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the Justice fountain stands on the street of Justice, the Gerechtigkeitsgasse. Its statue, more than six metres high, is a classic personification of justice.

An impartial justice

Blindfolded, impartial, Justice symbolises both balance, with the scales she holds in her left hand, and punishment, with the sword in her right hand. At her feet, four figures follow her with their eyes closed; according to the sources, they would represent the four forms of power, subject to justice.

What to see

Like the other fountains of Berne, the Justice fountain is a Renaissance jewel, listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance. Observe the delicacy of its statue and the strong symbolism of this allegory, on one of the finest streets of the old town.

Practical information

The Justice fountain is on the Gerechtigkeitsgasse, in Berne's old town. Freely accessible, it can be seen at any time.

What does the Justice fountain symbolise ?

Impartial justice, with the scales of balance and the sword of punishment, blindfolded.

What do the four figures at her feet represent ?

According to the sources, the four forms of power, subject to justice.