Bern is the European capital containing the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower dating from 1218.
The Zytglogge stands in Bern’s historic old city and is one of Switzerland’s best-known landmarks. Its name means “time bell” in Bernese German. The tower began as a western city gate, but its role changed as Bern expanded beyond the original fortifications.
The structure has been rebuilt and altered several times. A major transformation in the early 15th century added the astronomical clock and the large exterior clock face. The mechanism displays astronomical information as well as the time, while moving figurines perform shortly before the hour.
Bern is Switzerland’s federal city and the seat of the country’s federal authorities, although Switzerland has no legally designated capital. The Zytglogge is part of Bern’s UNESCO-listed old city, which preserves its medieval street plan and arcaded buildings.