Zytglogge.

The Zytglogge (time bell) is an iconic medieval tower in Bern, Switzerland. Built in the early 13th century, it served the city as a watchtower, prison, clock tower, center of urban life and civic memorial. Despite the many redecorations and renovations it has undergone in its 800 years of existence, the Zytglogge is one of Bern’s most recognizable symbols and the city’s oldest monument with its 15th-century astronomical clock which is a major tourist attraction. It is a heritage site of national importance and forms part of the Old Town of Bern, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. When it was built around 1218–1220, Zytglogge served as the gate tower of Bern’s western fortifications. At the time, Zytglogge was a squat building only 16 meters high. When the rapid growth of the city and the subsequent expansion of the fortifications relegated the tower to second-line status around 1270–1275, it was raised 7 meters to overlook the surrounding houses. Only after the western defenses of the city were extended again in 1344–1346 to the Christoffelturm, was Zytglogge converted into a women’s prison, notably housing the Pfaffendirnen — “priest whores”, women convicted of sexual relations with clergy.
At this time Zytglogge also received its first pitched roof.
In the great fire of 1405, the tower burned completely. It suffered serious structural damage that required thorough repairs, which were not complete until the last restoration in 1983. The…