Zytglogge

Zytglogge has stood at the heart of the Old Town since the 13th century, and after a fire in 1405 it was converted into a clock tower. The clock mechanism and astronomical clock date from 1530; the astronomical clock displays the months, lunar phases, zodiac signs, and the times of sunrise and sunset. The procession of figures begins four minutes before the hour: a golden cockerel crows, a jester rings a bell, bears parade in a circle, and Chronos turns an hourglass. Finally, the figure of Hans von Thann strikes the bell at the top of the tower. The interior can only be visited with a guide: the tour lasts one hour, involves around 130 steps, ends at a viewing platform, and must be booked in advance, with prices starting from 12 francs. The tower is not accessible to wheelchair users.