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Bern's Münster
ABOVE: Statues from the tympanum above the main door of the
Münster in Bern.
Just as Rome wasn't
built in a day, Europe's great churches weren't constructed overnight. The
Münster of St. Vincent in Bern is a good example: it was begun in 1421, but the
main body of the church wasn't finished until 1573 and the tower was added more
than three centuries later (in 1893, to be precise). During the time of its
construction, the Reformation took place and what began as a Catholic cathedral
ended up as a Protestant minster or collegiate church.
The Münster is well worth a visit for several reasons:
- It's blessed with some of the finest stone and wood carvings that you'll
see in Switzerland, including the 234 statues of The Last Judgment
above the main portal (see detail above).
- Its bell tower, the highest in Switzerland, offers a panorama of Bern to
tourists who have the stamina to climb the 270 spiral steps that lead to the
viewing plattform.
- The chancel's stained-glass windows date back to the 15th Century and are
lovely to behold, especially on a sunny day.
Visiting hours
| Easter Sunday to Oct. 31 |
Tues. - Sat.: 10 - 5
Sun.: 11 - 5 |
| Nov. 1 - Easter |
Tues. - Fri.: 10 - 12, 2-4
Sat.: 10-12, 2-5
Sun. 11-2 |
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Note: The tower closes 1/2 hour before
the church. |
How to reach the Münster
The Münster is on the Münsterplatz in Bern's medieval center. From the
railroad station, head toward the arcaded streets of central Bern and keep your
eyes open.
While you're at the Münster, take a few minutes to enjoy the view of the
River Aare from the platform in front of the church.
Related articles and Web links
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