Old Town (Zytglogge and the fountains)

The Old Town of the Swiss capital is a glittering UNESCO World Heritage Site that is deeply entrenched in history and blessed with remarkable beauty. There are arcades and over a hundred fountains that go back to the 16th century and are the best illustrations of the medieval character of the city. Bordered by the Aare river, the limestone buildings with their crimson rooftops are incredibly photogenic and seem to belong to a different era altogether. Home to the tallest cathedral in all of Switzerland, the Old Town truly is the drawcard of Bern and the presence of Zytglogge or the Clock Tower is the major reason why tourists love this cultural core.
A tall landmark, which has been around since 13th century as the first Western Gate of Bern, Zytglogge has an intricate astronomical clock with figures that move and herald the time. The clock was added to the gate in 1530 and continues to retain its charm. Since it was once the main clock of the city, it was seen as a symbol of immense authority and is, in fact, the oldest clock in Switzerland. The tower is an impressive Baroque structure and is emblematic of the historic spirit of Bern. Once you feast your eyes on the majesty of Zytglogge, time seems to come alive.