Bern Minster (The Cathedral of Bern)

Bern Minster (The Cathedral of Bern), known locally as Berner Münster, is a Swiss Reformed cathedral located in the old city of Bern. Originally constructed in the Gothic style, the building was completed in 1421. Its tower was only completed in 1893, and stands at a height of 100.6 meters (330 feet). The cathedral in Switzerland is the tallest one in the country and has been designated as a Cultural Property of National Significance.

The construction of the city’s most important building at the time, the Münster, was a testament to the rising power of Bern. The designers knew that their interior had to impress citizens as well as foreign visitors, and thus, it was designed with an incredible sense of awe. The central nave was built in a lacy gothic style with enormous stained glass windows and numerous side chapels dedicated to religious figures. Prior to the Gothic style, churches had smaller central naves and small, grimy windows. With the advent of the Gothic style, larger, airy, and brighter churches could be built.

The main portal of the Münster is considered by many to be the most beautiful aspect of the building. There are 47 large freestanding statues, and 170 smaller sculptures of various characters depicting the Last Judgement, where the righteous are separated from the wicked. This is without question the most visually convincing depiction of the Last Judgement in all of Europe. Interestingly enough, the only remaining sculptures in the Minster were of the Last Judgement, as all other pieces were destroyed by the iconoclastic reforms of the Protestant Reformation.

You can climb the tower and enjoy beautiful vew of Bern, which will give you some great photo opportunity. There is a charge for the access.

Bern tours