Fortress
Zytglogge
🇨🇭 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 #410 of 7,044 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #3 of the 141 mapped in Switzerland. Founded 1220, it is older than 75% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 781 atlas entries founded in the 13th century. See how Switzerland compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Zytglogge?
Zytglogge stands in Switzerland, at 46.94806°, 7.44778°.
When was Zytglogge built?
The atlas dates its founding to 1220. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Zytglogge?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #410 of 7,044 worldwide, and #3 in Switzerland. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Zytglogge?
Felsenburg, about 1 km away.
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- Castle of the counts of Gruyères Switzerland · 13th century
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