Käfigturm

Standing proudly at the upper end of the Marktgasse in the heart of Bern's Old Town, the Käfigturm is a historical marvel that has witnessed centuries of the city's vibrant history. This iconic tower, with its rich past and architectural splendor, beckons visitors to explore its storied walls and discover the many roles it has played over the years.

The History of Käfigturm

The Käfigturm we see today was constructed between 1641 and 1644, replacing an older structure dating back to 1256. Originally built as part of Bern's city fortifications, the tower served as a western watchtower. Over time, its role evolved, becoming a prison tower, a state archive, and now an exhibition and event center focusing on political themes.

In its early days, the Käfigturm was known as the Gloggnerstor, named after a local family. However, with the expansion of Bern to the Heiliggeistkirche in 1345, the tower lost its defensive importance. Following a devastating fire in 1405 that destroyed the Zytglogge tower, prisoners were relocated to the Käfigturm, which then became known as the Mannenkefi to distinguish it from the Frauenturm near the armory.

The current Käfigturm was built under the direction of Joseph Plepp, who faced various controversies regarding the tower's location and design. Despite the debates, the new tower was erected just four meters west of its original site, serving as a monumental architectural feature in the city. After Plepp's death in 1642, Antoni Graber took over the construction, ensuring the tower's completion.

Throughout the centuries, the Käfigturm underwent numerous modifications. In 1690/91, a mechanical clock was installed, and in 1803, the tower and its adjacent buildings came under the ownership of the canton. The increasing traffic in the city led to the demolition of the northern annex in 1823, creating the current passageway. Despite a petition in 1886 to demolish the tower for traffic improvement, the cantonal government preserved it.

By 1897, the Käfigturm had ceased functioning as a prison, and the prisoners were transferred to a new district jail. The tower then served as the state archive until 1977. After a complete renovation in 1980, it became an information and exhibition center. Today, it hosts the Polit-Forum Bern, which organizes exhibitions and events on political topics, contributing to political education.

Exploring Käfigturm

As you approach the Käfigturm, you are greeted by its imposing structure, which stands 49 meters tall, including the weather vane at its peak. The tower's square base measures 9.8 meters on each side, and it rises five stories high, with an additional attic. The robust construction features walls up to 0.9 meters thick, made of sandstone and hard stone for the foundation and archway, respectively.

One of the tower's most striking features is the medallion above the archway, which displays three coats of arms: two representing Bern and one depicting the imperial eagle, symbolizing the city's imperial freedom. This medallion, crafted by Johannes Hülscher in 1643, adds a touch of historical grandeur to the tower's facade.

The Käfigturm's architecture is a testament to classical design principles, with its western facade adorned with slit windows, a triumphal arch motif, and corner rustication. In contrast, the eastern facade is more austere, focusing on the main structural elements without additional ornamentation.

The Clock and Bells

Both the western and eastern sides of the Käfigturm feature clocks with dark red dials, showing only the hours. The tower's roof is a truncated pyramid covered with red tiles, topped with a baroque-style spire. The spire houses a bell, originally used as a warning signal during wartime. The bell, inscribed with May my voice be a terror to all evil spirits, hails from the Vesoul region.

The clock mechanism, installed in 1691 by clockmakers Jacob Hogg and Jakob Kuntz, is a marvel of engineering. The clock requires daily manual winding, with weights of 45 and 85 kilograms driving its operation. The Käfigturm's clock continues to mark the passage of time, a silent witness to the city's ever-evolving history.

The Käfigturm in Art

The Käfigturm has inspired numerous artists over the years. One of the earliest known depictions is a pen and ink drawing from around 1680 by Wilhelm Stettler. The tower has also been captured in copper engravings by Johann Ludwig Nöthiger and oil paintings by French impressionist Georges Stein. Swiss artist Adolf Tièche included a drawing of the Käfigturm in his 1914 collection of Bern cityscapes.

In conclusion, the Käfigturm is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of Bern's resilience and adaptability. Its walls echo the stories of the past, from medieval defenses to political forums, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting this beautiful Swiss city. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, the Käfigturm offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bern's heritage.