Bern Minster – the Tallest Cathedral Spire in Switzerland
Bern Minster is credited to have the tallest cathedral spire in Switzerland! We walked into it during our self guided tour of old city of Bern.
If you are ever there, allot at least half an hour to soak in the interior. At a height of 100.6m, this minster is famed to be the tallest bell tower of Switzerland and has the largest bell of this country. We heard it ring when we were watching the Zytglogge. It was a short span of sweet cacophony.
Bern Cathedral – Tallest Spire
The church was built in the 15th century; however its tower was only completed in 1893. There are 312 steps to reach the viewing deck. Views of the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland are absolutely worth the effort.
In the 16th century, the third stage construction of the cathedral came to a halt. The spire was 50m high at that time, so the Minster looked quite different among the surrounding buildings of the Old City. Construction was paused because the ground was not stable and due to financial crunch. Much later the construction gathered momentum and the impressive spire was built in the Gothic style and reached its final height.
Most part of the cathedral was built with Bernese sandstone, with the exception of the top part of the spire. For the last part of construction, sandstone from Lower Saxony was used, as it is very resilient.
It was difficult to get this mammoth monument in a single frame; Bern Minster has been rightly compared to a rocket. Finally, from a spot at a large distance from the cathedral, the spire was framed.
Bern Cathedral Architectural details
The cathedral is treasure house of priceless artistic stained-glass windows, the choir vault with the stone figurines, the invaluable set of bells (including the largest bell in all of Switzerland) sculptures, frescoes and incredible work of the stonemasons.
The construction of this ecclesiastical building started in 1421 and the spire got its final form in 1893 under the supervision of various builders over the years. The facade was being repaired while we were there in 2011, hence the wrapped up form.
Ceiling of Bern Cathedral
The ceiling here was so different from the ones we have seen in other churches. Not too many colors, there was simple patterns in black and white.
Dance of Death Window of Bern Cathedral
The stain glass window of 1441 – 1450 is famous as Dance of Death window. One can see the details of skeletal figures claiming lives of people from all walks of life.
Dance of Death window of Bern cathedral
Old city of Berne is one of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Switzerland.
The church is a mishmash of elements added to an original 1341 building with a well. This old building originally stood within the precincts of the 12th-century castle.
Don’t miss the elaborate work on the arch of west door of Bern Cathedral.
One more tip: Check the timings when the church is open. We lost some precious time here having landed there at some odd time and in the end had to rush. We missed going up this tall spire.
Timings for Bern Cathedral and Tower
(please check once more before you plan)
Monday to Friday Timings
Winter – from 19 Oct. Church – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tower – 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Summer – 30. May to 16. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Saturday
Winter from 24. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer 30. May to 17. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
Winter from 25 Oct. Church – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tower – 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Summer 30 May to 18 Oct. Church – 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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The stain glass window is beautifully captured
What beautiful blogs you've created! I would love to experience some of the sights you've photographed. Thank you for visiting my rodeo photographs, too!
Nice shots, interesting piece of artwork and craftsmanship.
Very beautiful shots of the cathedral. I liked the glass paintings very much.
Beautiful stained glass and archways. Reminds me of the book I read "Pillars of the Earth".
this is stunning Indrani,
can't stop looking at its details, esp. the stained glass, it's really beautiful, you can see it's meticulously done.
Lovely shots, Indrani.
Beautiful shots Indrani. So nice to see inside. I have been in Bern but never inside the Muenster. Thanks.
Swiz has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty n architecture as well. The pic are lovely. The windows are majestic n so intricately done. Thx for sharing!
The stain glass window is incredible.
How long did you travel?
What a church! It's amazing that people could make such high and beautiful ceilings and such brilliant colourful windows! You captured the colours very well! Thanks for sharing!
Lovely photos
Thanks for these pictures of a beautiful church. The window is fascinating.
That is incredible. Wonderful sights.
The cathedrals of Europe are so beautiful. I get lost in the intricacies of the designs and architecture. Your photos are beautiful…I have not been to Europe in a while. Your photos make me want to see them again.
Another great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Gorgeous cathedral and the windows are amazing!! Superb captures and fascinating post as always, Indrani! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Sylvia
An elegant cathedral, Indrani! I like its style very much.
You took some great shots of this beautiful cathedral.
I never tire of seeing cathedrals, churches and other houses of worships. Their architecture is incredible.
Amazing glass paintings .
Beautiful windows and the organ, music for everyone.
Lovely shots Indrani….well done.
Greetings, Joop
Liebe Indrani,
wunderbare Erinnerungen an die Schweiz hast Du auf Deiner Reise eingefangen…
Liebe Grüssse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter
great detail
Aloha from Waikiki;
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