Berner M眉nster (The Cathedral of Bern), Bern (must see)
The Cathedral of Bern (Berner M眉nster) stands prominently in the Old City of Bern as a symbol of the city-state's burgeoning power. This Swiss Reformed cathedral, constructed in the Gothic style, began its development in 1421. However, its iconic tower, reaching 100.6 meters (330 feet), was not completed until 1893, making it the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Due to its architectural and cultural significance, it has been designated as a Cultural Property of National Significance.
Designed to impress both citizens and foreign visitors, the cathedral's interior boasts a central nave that exemplifies the Gothic style, featuring an elegant and intricate design with grand stained glass windows and various altars in its side chapels. The Gothic architecture also enabled a higher central nave and expansive windows, contributing to an airy and well-lit ambiance.
The cathedral's most striking feature is its main portal, which portrays the Last Judgement in an impressive display of 47 large statues and 170 smaller figures. This depiction, which survived the Protestant Reformation's iconoclasm, is regarded as one of the finest in Europe, illustrating the division of the righteous and the wicked with remarkable artistry.
Tip:
If you are so inclined on a beautiful day, climb the steeple. There is an access charge but if the weather is nice, you get a very nice view of Bern and the Alps. Be cautious of your time as you can be right next to the ten-ton bell (the largest in the whole of Switzerland) when it rings at 6 pm. While it is possible to stand near the bells when they are rung, it is necessary to cover your ears to prevent hearing damage.
Designed to impress both citizens and foreign visitors, the cathedral's interior boasts a central nave that exemplifies the Gothic style, featuring an elegant and intricate design with grand stained glass windows and various altars in its side chapels. The Gothic architecture also enabled a higher central nave and expansive windows, contributing to an airy and well-lit ambiance.
The cathedral's most striking feature is its main portal, which portrays the Last Judgement in an impressive display of 47 large statues and 170 smaller figures. This depiction, which survived the Protestant Reformation's iconoclasm, is regarded as one of the finest in Europe, illustrating the division of the righteous and the wicked with remarkable artistry.
Tip:
If you are so inclined on a beautiful day, climb the steeple. There is an access charge but if the weather is nice, you get a very nice view of Bern and the Alps. Be cautious of your time as you can be right next to the ten-ton bell (the largest in the whole of Switzerland) when it rings at 6 pm. While it is possible to stand near the bells when they are rung, it is necessary to cover your ears to prevent hearing damage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Berner M眉nster (The Cathedral of Bern) on Map
Sight Name: Berner M眉nster (The Cathedral of Bern)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Z盲hringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches
They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Swiss Sweets and Pastries
Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...