Zeitglockenturm, or Clock Tower, is located right in the heart of Bern's historic Old Town. It was named after the large multifunctional clock made by the blacksmith Caspar Brunner in 1530. There are five mechanisms in one clock case, which are responsible for different actions. For example, two of the mechanisms actuate the figures, which before each strike of the clock put on an amusing performance that attracts crowds of tourists. First, a rooster cocks (its cry we hear three times during the performance), then a procession of bears passes by, then the god Chronos gives a signal to a knight who strikes a bell. Nearby, a lion twirls its head as if to confirm that the clock is running correctly. The clock shows not only the time, but also the movement of the sun, the phases of the moon, the day of the week, and the course of the zodiacal constellations.
The Zeitglockenturm Tower, now one of the symbols of Bern that every tourist visiting the city strives to see, was built in 1218-1220 as part of the city's defence system. It was the main street of Bern. Over time, the city, bounded by the bed of the River Are, grew westwards, and new city walls appeared. But the Zeitglockenturm tower suddenly found itself surrounded by residential buildings and was no longer used for the defence of Bern. It was immediately converted into a prison. But in 1405 it burned down completely and the prisoners were transferred to another city tower, now called the Prison Tower.
The Zeitglockenturm Tower was rebuilt and subsequently rebuilt several times. In the second half of the 18th century it acquired its Baroque appearance.
