The capital of Switzerland, Bern is a city of modern and medieval traditions in a cultural combination that continues to delight it’s many visitors. Legend says the city was named to record the Duke Berthold V of Zahringen’s fight with a bear he eventually killed. The duke founded the city towards the end of the 12th century, beginning the history of a place that was to be declared Imperial Free City within the Holy Roman Empire. Though not as old as Geneva or Zurich, Bern, is a respected part of Switzerland’s ancient heritage. Most of the city centre is medieval and provides immense exploring opportunities. Let’s take a closer look!
Like any exploration tour of an ancient city, we shall start in the old centre, declared by UNESCO, a World Heritage Site. The most famous sight in the centre is the Zytglogge, a clock tower with moving puppets. Built in the 16th century it is an astronomical landmark, since it displays both the sun position as well as the lunar phase. The moving part of the clock consists of three concentric circles, known as the Zodiac, that show the sun’s movement in summer (the largest circle), in spring and autumn (the middle circle) and in winter (the smallest and innermost circle).
Another famous site is the Munster, a Cathedral built in the 15th century in Gothic style. The spiral staircase that leads to the tower is open for anyone to climb. The top platform provides an amazing view over the city. The Munster is famous for its tympanum in the main portal. It has no less than 234 sculptures that create a unique panoramic picture of the Last Judgment. Furthermore, the stained glass windows date back to the 15th century, show touching representations of the Passion of the Christ and the Crucifixion. All in all, you can’t visit the Munster and remain untouched by its secular sacred majesty.
Great news for shoppers! Under its old arcades, Bern hides one of the largest covered shopping promenades on the European continent. Open six days a week, the promenade provides a unique medieval surrounding in addition to the modern shopping facilities. There are countless antique shops, kiosks, department stores, bakeries, fashion boutiques together with inviting restaurants and cafés. This is definitely the ideal place to purchase souvenirs. Another favourite tourist sight is the Baerengraben or Bern’s bear pit. Since, the city is named after a bear, you can learn its entire story by visiting this historic place.
As for museums, Bern houses the largest collection in the world of the works of Paul Klee on display at the Museum of Fine Arts. There is a large array of masterpieces from medieval to modern times featuring big names such as Courbet, Matisse or Picasso. There is also the Albert Einstein house open to visitors curious to see how the world’s best known genius lived. Furthermore there are so many great sights waiting to be discovered that it is a true joy to explore the city on your own. You will definitely take great pleasure in the many fountains, no less than 100 are spread all over the city.
One such fountain is the Simsonbrunnen, the 16th century sight that depicts Samson opening the jaws of a lion by force. Besides the decorative and re-freshening symbolism, this old fountain is an affirmation of heroic stamina. For the thirsty or hungry tourist, Bern is not short of options. You can either grab a bite in the small corner street restaurants, or enjoy a real treat in some of the more upmarket places. However, the more fanciful the restaurant, the higher the prices, and Bern can really teach you a new meaning of the word “expensive”. Remember that everywhere you go.