Bern – the capital of Switzerland, is a historic city fiercely protective and proud of its medieval origins. The core of the city is located on a long and narrow stretch of land, surrounded by the Aare River on three sides.
A grid of cobbled streets follows this topography, and when walking along any of them, it’s easy to be transported back into time by a couple of centuries.
Lined with sombre sandstone buildings, the gray tone of the built form is punctuated by colourful flowers and the many flags that the Swiss like to fly.
Dotted across the historic core are 16th century fountains, each decorated thematically by prominent figures from Bern’s history.
The Zytglogge, Bern’s 700 year old clock tower, puts up a show every hour, while keeping time across days, weeks, months, zodiacs and even phases of the moon.
The most prominent structures in the old town are the Swiss Parliament House and the Cathedral. The latter offers a sculpted lesson in morals and sins at its entrance, while splendid views of winding streets and pitched roofs await those that make it up its tower.
Text And Photos By Kunal Bhatia
Contact
email: kunal@kunalbhatia.net
web: www.kunalbhatia.net
