Zytglogge

The Zytglogge is a historic clock tower in the old city of Bern, Switzerland. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of its medieval heritage.

The tower originated in the 13th century as part of Bern’s fortified walls, serving as a gate tower and watchpoint. Over the centuries it developed into a multifunctional clock tower, integrated into the town’s timekeeping and public life.

The clock mechanism, including an astronomical clock and calendar, dates from the 15th century with later restorations. The tower houses a functioning clockwork that drives hourly automata and is renowned for its medieval engineering and the display of figures that appear on the hour.

Zytglogge is part of the Old City of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1983 for its well-preserved medieval urban structure. The tower has undergone several restorations to preserve both its masonry and its clockwork, ensuring continued operation and access for visitors.

Today, the Zytglogge remains a major tourist attraction and an enduring symbol of Bern. Visitors can learn about its history, observe the clock’s mechanism, and witness the hourly automaton display during tours or visits to the surrounding square.