Showing 1-6 of 6 results
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Bundeshäuser
The 1902 Bundeshäuser, the home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are built in an impressive Florentine style, and contain statues of the nation's founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier. When the Parliament is in recess, there are hourly free 45-minute tours in different languages. During parliamentary sessions, you can watch from the public gallery. A passport or other national ID is always needed to gain entry.
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Decorative Fountains
Built around 1545, this series of 11 Bern landmarks all depict characters from history and/or folklore and are concentrated along Marktgasse as it becomes Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse. However, the most famous lies in Kornhausplatz; it's the Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain), which depicts a giant, snacking…on children.
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Houses of Parliament
The 1902 Houses of Parliament, home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are impressively ornate, with statues of the nation's founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier. Tours are offered when the parliament is in recess, otherwise you can watch from the public gallery. Bring a passport.
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Kindlifresserbrunnen
This fountain depicts a giant, snacking…on children.
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Zeitglockenturm
The Zeitglockenturm, dividing Marktgasse and Kramgasse, is a colourful clock tower with revolving figures that herald the chiming hour.
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Zytglogge
Called Zeitglockenturm in High German, it was once part of the city's western gate (1191-1256). It's reminiscent of the Astronomical Clock in Prague's old town square in that crowds congregate to watch it chime - and then wonder why. The clock's revolving figures begin twirling at four minutes before the hour, after which the actual chimes begin. Tours enter the tower to see the clock mechanism between May and October (contact the tourist office).
Showing 1-6 of 6 results
