Fountain «MATTENWIRTSHAUS»
Opposite the fountain is the region’s oldesttavern: the Mattenwirtshaus – todaythe Landgasthof Hirschen. A smithylicenced to sell wine already stood herein 1242. The construction of the Mattenwirtshauswas started in 1622.
An ancestorof Christian Sterchi, the first ownerof the inn, distinguished himself by hisbravery at the Battle of Villmergen in1712. As a reward, the Bernese governmentallowed him to place a fountainin front of the inn. A special feature ofthe fountain is that it is not supplied bythe monastery pipeline but has its ownpipeline.
«Did you know? Today, the wateris publically owned. Thanksto political participation rights,citizens have a say in the waterpolicy.»