Berner Münster

Gargoyles on the Berner Münster : Bern, CH

The Berner Münster, or Cathedral of Berne, is Switzerland's largest Gothic cathedral. Construction on the cathedral commenced in 1421 and was completed in 1893--a span of 472 years. Within 30 years of the founding of Bern (Swiss spelling), a chapel was built on the grounds where the current cathedral stands. Over the next five centuries, the building grew as the city grew. The church was originally Catholic, but as the years progressed switched to Protestant, which is what it is today. The cathedral's tower holds the largest bell in Switzerland: 10 tons in weight and 8 feet in diameter. The bell was cast in 1611. To hear the cathedral's seven bells, go here. To see more pictures of this edifice, go here.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/10