Old city of Bern

The old city of Bern (Swiss) remains one of the best witnesses of medieval town planning in Europe.

For this reason it is registered since 1983 with the world heritage of the humanity of UNESCO.

Based in 1191 by the duke Berchtold V of Zähringen on a hill girdled by the Aar offering a natural protection on three sides, the fourth side being protected by ramparts, the tower of the Clock and ditches. The plan of the city developed according to an urban principle exceptionally clearly.

After the extinction of Zähringen in 1218 the city becomes free and obtains the privileges the emperor Henri IV. After a serious fire in 1405, the city was rebuilt into hard (Molasse).

The buildings and remarkable monuments of this time are:

  • the Tower of the Clock “Zytglogge” (origin end XIIe century, restored in 1771). Astronomical clock XVIe century with jacquemart animated,
  • collegial, said the cathedral, fine prototype Gothic Swiss (built between 1421 and fine XVIe century). With its bell-tower-turn of 100 m height,
  • arcades of XVe century, shopping malls. Structure characteristic, Oriel S, Tourelle S of angle in Encorbellement S, trap doors at cellars,
  • the fountains of XVIe century, decorated allegorical figures. On all the places and along the streets,

The major part of the medieval city was renovated at the XVIIIe century but preserved its original character.

Capital of Switzerland since 1848, of large public monuments affirm its new function:

Images

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