Zytglogge

Bern's most famous time piece, the Zytglogge : Bern, CH

Bern's Altstadt (old town) features this clock, known as the Zytglogge (Swiss German for Zeitglocke, or time clock), which was constructed around 1218-1220. One of Bern's most recognizable symbols, it is a major tourist attraction. Crowds gather at the based of the clock around 6:00 anticipating a great show and ringing from the clock's works. In point of fact, it's a bit of a letdown. If you go to Bern, make a point of stopping to see what is certainly a beautiful work of art, but don't be anxious to see it strike at 6:00. There's not a lot to see. (Although, watching the tourists in anticipation is kind of fun. Next time I go to Bern, that's what I'll be photographing!) To see a few more photos of this clock tower, go here.


Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/10