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Zytglogge

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description Zytglogge Overview

A former city gate in Bern's historic centre, the Zytglogge combines medieval defensive architecture with an elaborate public timepiece. Its origins date to the early thirteenth century, while the present astronomical clock mechanism was installed around 1530. The mechanism links the clock faces to moving figures that perform before the hour, making the passage of time visible through both the dial and a mechanical display. The tower's history includes use as a gate, prison, guard tower, and civic clock.

These changing roles reflect Bern's growth and the reuse of an earlier boundary structure within the developing city. For visitors interested in historic engineering, the coordinated figures add a dimension beyond the exterior architecture. Its appeal also rests in the way a working clock preserves the tower's public role within the old town.

help Zytglogge FAQ

What happens when the Zytglogge clock performs in Bern?

Mechanical figures begin moving shortly before the hour, including a jester, bears, and Chronos, the figure of time. The sequence accompanies the striking of the bell and is one of the best-known sights in Bern's Old City.

How old is the Zytglogge astronomical clock?

The tower originated as a city gate in the early 13th century, but the present astronomical mechanism dates from around 1530. Clockmaker Caspar Brunner is associated with that 16th-century mechanism.

What information does the Zytglogge clock face display?

Its astronomical dial tracks time alongside information such as the zodiac, lunar phase, and position of celestial bodies. A separate large dial presents the ordinary hour more directly.

Can visitors go inside the Zytglogge tower?

Guided visits normally provide access to the interior mechanism and upper parts of the tower. The landmark stands in Bern's UNESCO-listed Old City, within walking distance of the main railway station.

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