Zeitglockenturm Bell Tower description and photos - Switzerland: Bern (Topic)

Zeitglockenturm Bell Tower description and photos - Switzerland: Bern. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Zeitglockenturm.

Photo & Description

The Zeitglockenturm, or Clock Tower, is located right in the heart of Bern's historic Old Town. It got its name from the large multifunctional watch made by the blacksmith Kaspar Brunner in 1530. Five mechanisms are installed in one watch case, which are responsible for different actions. For example, two mechanisms set in motion figures, which, before each strike of the clock, arrange amusing performances that gather crowds of tourists. First, a rooster crows (we will hear its cry three times during the performance), then a procession of bears passes, then the god Chronos gives a signal to the knight, who beats the bell. Nearby, a lion turns its head, as if confirming that the clock is running correctly. The clock shows not only the time, but also the movement of the Sun, the phases of the Moon, the day of the week, the course of the zodiacal constellations.

The Zeitglockenturm Tower, now one of the symbols of Bern, which every tourist visiting this city seeks to see, was built in 1218-1220 as part of the city's defensive system. The main street of Bern rested against it. Over time, the city, bounded by the river Are, expanded towards the west, new city walls appeared. And the Zeitglockenturm tower suddenly found itself surrounded by residential buildings and was no longer used to defend Bern. It was immediately converted into a prison. But in 1405 it completely burned down, and the prisoners were transferred to another city tower, which is now called the Prison Tower.

The Zeitglokenturm Tower was restored and subsequently rebuilt several times. In the second half of the 18th century, it acquired its baroque appearance.

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Topic: Zeitglockenturm Bell Tower description and photos - Switzerland: Bern.