![]() ![]() The hands of the astrolabium move somewhat more slowly but just as precisely. The golden figure of Hans von Thann finally strikes the hour in time with Chronos’ swinging scepter. Bears dance their hourly routine, a jester jokingly signals the hour too early, the quarter-hour chimes are heard from the tower, and Chronos, the god of time, turns his hourglass over. Right before the clock strikes the hour a crowing rooster announces the start of an entertaining spectacle. ![]() The tower’s outstanding features are the astrolabium – an astronomical calendar clock – and the musical mechanism installed in 1530. The ancient length measurements of cubit and fathom – which are still marked today in the tower entrance as meter and double meter – served as the reference length and for official checks. For example, official travel times were measured from the Clock Tower and marked on stones along the cantonal roads. The tower was also an authoritative building for other matters in the capital city. As the official timekeeper, its location could not be more central and from then on, the locals listened for it to strike the hours. Now known as the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), it began telling time for the inhabitants of Bern. After the devastating fire of 1405, the structure was rebuilt and given a new identity. Over the centuries, this landmark has fulfilled different functions for the city of Bern but has always played a key role.Īs Bern continued to grow and expand its city limits, the former guard tower gradually found itself closer and closer to the city center. First it was a fortified guard tower, then a prison, a lookout and fire observation tower, and finally a clock tower. ![]()
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