Bern | General Tips
The city of Berne, capital of Switzerland, was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO beacuse of its well preserved medieval architecture, which dates from 1191. During its many centuries of existence the city was enlarged several times and parcialy (in 1405) rebuilt after a fire. Although the historical centre also rebuilt, the original pattern was kept.
The river Aar runs across the city and the main buildings are located on its shores. One of these buildings is the cathedral, built between 1421 and 1893; its door is decorated with a representation of the Last Judgement. There is also the French Church, erected in 1270 and the oldest church of Berne.
Two of the city buildings stand out for their particular architecture. The Cage Tower was a prison for two centuries after it was built in 1641; then it worked as a clock tower. The Federal Palace rose in 1902 and it has a rare dome from where two wings decortaed with Swiss history scenes emerge.
Berne is not only a city of buildings but of beautiful and colorful gardens and parks that can be visit in a relaxed walk. Gurten Park is the ideal place to go for a walk with children under the Swiss warm spring sun. In Elfenau, an 18th century farm you can participate of many cultural events by the orange trees. Another good option is Dahlhozli Forest, where you can visit a small zoo and a moat of bears, the city animals. The Botanical Garden and the Roses Garden are other natural places worth visiting.
If you want to see some art you should go to the City Art Museum, where you will see important collections, Paul Klee Center is where most of this artist works are kept. You should also visit the Art Pavilion.
