
Berner Minster (The Cathedral of Bern), Bern (must see)
The Münster of Bern is a Swiss Reformed cathedral (or minster) located in the Old City of Bern. Built in the Gothic style, its construction started in 1421 although its tower, with a height of 100.6 m (330 ft), was only completed in 1893. It is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland and is a Cultural Property of National Significance.
The Münster was built by the city of Bern as a symbol of the growing power of this city-state. The interior was therefore designed to awe the citizens as well as foreign visitors. The central nave was built in a lacy gothic style with enormous stained glass windows and numerous altars in side chapels. The Gothic style allowed a taller central nave and larger windows than had been possible before, creating an impressive and light and airy structure.
The most beautiful aspect of the Münster is the main portal. 47 large free-standing statues and 170 smaller figures depict the Last Judgement where the righteous are separated from the wicked. This is perhaps the best depiction of the Last Judgement in all of Europe. Interestingly enough, the sculptures of the Last Judgement were the only statues in the Minster to survive the iconoclasm of the Protestant Reformation.
Tip:
If you are so inclined on a beautiful day, climb the steeple. There is a charge for access 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 6pm. While it is possible to stand near the bells when they are rung, it is necessary to cover ears to prevent hearing damage.
The Münster was built by the city of Bern as a symbol of the growing power of this city-state. The interior was therefore designed to awe the citizens as well as foreign visitors. The central nave was built in a lacy gothic style with enormous stained glass windows and numerous altars in side chapels. The Gothic style allowed a taller central nave and larger windows than had been possible before, creating an impressive and light and airy structure.
The most beautiful aspect of the Münster is the main portal. 47 large free-standing statues and 170 smaller figures depict the Last Judgement where the righteous are separated from the wicked. This is perhaps the best depiction of the Last Judgement in all of Europe. Interestingly enough, the sculptures of the Last Judgement were the only statues in the Minster to survive the iconoclasm of the Protestant Reformation.
Tip:
If you are so inclined on a beautiful day, climb the steeple. There is a charge for access 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 6pm. While it is possible to stand near the bells when they are rung, it is necessary to cover ears to prevent hearing damage.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes 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.
Berner Minster (The Cathedral of Bern) on Map
Sight Name: Berner Minster (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.
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland and the eponymous German-speaking canton, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces the origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he killed on the hunt, which... 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
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in its Old City alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During the medieval time, the local life revolved around fountains since they provided water to residents and served as public places for news exchange and social gatherings.
Bernese used to decorate their fountains and built elaborate statues in the middle of them.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bernese used to decorate their fountains and built elaborate statues in the middle of them.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 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...