Untertorbrucke (Lower Gate Bridge), Bern
The Lower Gate Bridge (Untertorbr眉cke) is an integral piece of Bern, Switzerland's architectural and historical heritage. This historic stone arch bridge, which spans the Aare River, was initially constructed in 1256, making it the oldest of Bern's Aare bridges. For centuries, it served as the sole bridge connecting the Old City to the eastern bank of the river, reflecting its vital role in the city鈥檚 early development.
The bridge's origins trace back to the urgent need for a river crossing after Bern's founding in 1191. Conflict soon arose with Count Hartmann of Kyburg, leading to a mediated peace allowing for the bridge鈥檚 completion. Initially built from oak wood and possibly partially covered, it featured fortifications including a fortified tower and a central guard house. The bridge endured significant historical events, including surviving an attack during King Rudolph of Habsburg's second siege of Bern in 1288.
In 1460, after being severely damaged by a flood, a decision was made to reconstruct the bridge in stone. The work was entrusted to a master from Zurich, leading to significant improvements including new fortifications and a chapel consecrated by 1467. However, construction faced delays due to financial strains and conflicts, finally completing in the late 15th century.
Throughout the following centuries, the bridge鈥檚 fortifications were enhanced, including the addition of crenelated stone walls and covered battlements. By the 18th century, however, these medieval fortifications lost their military relevance and became traffic hindrances, leading to major renovations in 1757. The original military features were removed, and new decorative elements, including a baroque triumphal arch, were added.
Subsequent modifications in the 19th century further altered its appearance; iron railings replaced sandstone parapets, and significant structures such as the eastern gate and drawbridge were dismantled to ease local congestion.
Today, the Lower Gate Bridge stands primarily as a vestige of its medieval core, stripped of its extensive fortifications and baroque embellishments. It now serves as a quiet testament to Bern鈥檚 long history, encapsulating centuries of architectural and urban evolution. No longer an active bridge, it remains a symbolic link to the city鈥檚 past, continuing to offer a glimpse into the historical narrative of Bern.
The bridge's origins trace back to the urgent need for a river crossing after Bern's founding in 1191. Conflict soon arose with Count Hartmann of Kyburg, leading to a mediated peace allowing for the bridge鈥檚 completion. Initially built from oak wood and possibly partially covered, it featured fortifications including a fortified tower and a central guard house. The bridge endured significant historical events, including surviving an attack during King Rudolph of Habsburg's second siege of Bern in 1288.
In 1460, after being severely damaged by a flood, a decision was made to reconstruct the bridge in stone. The work was entrusted to a master from Zurich, leading to significant improvements including new fortifications and a chapel consecrated by 1467. However, construction faced delays due to financial strains and conflicts, finally completing in the late 15th century.
Throughout the following centuries, the bridge鈥檚 fortifications were enhanced, including the addition of crenelated stone walls and covered battlements. By the 18th century, however, these medieval fortifications lost their military relevance and became traffic hindrances, leading to major renovations in 1757. The original military features were removed, and new decorative elements, including a baroque triumphal arch, were added.
Subsequent modifications in the 19th century further altered its appearance; iron railings replaced sandstone parapets, and significant structures such as the eastern gate and drawbridge were dismantled to ease local congestion.
Today, the Lower Gate Bridge stands primarily as a vestige of its medieval core, stripped of its extensive fortifications and baroque embellishments. It now serves as a quiet testament to Bern鈥檚 long history, encapsulating centuries of architectural and urban evolution. No longer an active bridge, it remains a symbolic link to the city鈥檚 past, continuing to offer a glimpse into the historical narrative of Bern.
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Untertorbrucke (Lower Gate Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Untertorbrucke (Lower Gate Bridge)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
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
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'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...