Switzerland · 13th century
The Zytglogge (Bernese German: [ˈtsiˌkːlɔkːə]; lit. 'time bell') is a landmark medieval tower in Bern, Switzerland. Built in the early 13th century, it has served the city as a guard tower, prison, clock tower, centre of urban life and civic memorial.
Despite the many redecorations and renovations it has undergone in its 800 years of existence, the Zytglogge is one of Bern's most recognisable symbols and the oldest monument of the city, and with its 15th-century astronomical clock, a major tourist attraction. It is a heritage site of national significance, and part of the Old City of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Text adapted from “Zytglogge” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Zytglogge ranks #414 of 9,079 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #3 of the 213 mapped in Switzerland. Founded 1220, it is older than 74% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 1080 atlas entries founded in the 13th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 10,539 times in the last 60 days, more than 94% of the atlas. 26 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Bern, 1 km away. See how Switzerland compares in the castle statistics.
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