Towers to visit German-Speaking Switzerland

Created in 1191, it is the first western gate of the city and has housed the city's main clock since 1530. The top of the tower offers a beautiful view of the city. The clock is famous for its carousel of figures that come to life every hour. This masterpiece was designed by Casper Brunner. The automatons, dating from 1527-1530, start their ballet early (4 min), with the crowing of the rooster and the jester's bell. Then, on time, come the bears, who make as many turns as there are hours. The central figure, Cronos, then turns over his hourglass and signals the hours with his sceptre, while the lion does the same with a nod of his head; meanwhile, at the very top, Hans Von Tal rings the hours on the bell. Above the dial, the Roman deities Venus, Mars and Jupiter are painted on the wall with their attributes. Then the rooster closes the ballet by crowing a third time (allusion to the words of Jesus to Saint Peter). The movement of the clock, which can be seen on request, is still provided, rarely, by the original mechanism; a golden hand indicates the solar time, the Sun, the current zodiac sign; in the outer red part appears the day of the week; a black and gold ball indicates the phases of the Moon by turning on itself; finally, a star indicates the day of the week, in the Julian calendar (i.e. without taking into account the leap years) A must-see at any time to admire the automatons.

Built between 1256 and 1344, this tower, the second western gate of Bern, was used as a prison from 1641 to 1897. Political exhibitions are regularly held here. It is said that the mother of Ferdinand Hodler (one of Switzerland's most famous painters) was a cook in the tower in the 19th century. Since 1999 it has been the seat of the political forum of the Swiss Confederation. The Prison Tower is now a symbol of democracy, participation and exchange.

This leaning tower, a curiosity in the city, dates back to the 13th century. It is 33 m high and inclined at 5.5 degrees (its inclination is higher than that of the Tower of Pisa). It is the last vestige of the church of St. Mauritius, which was partially demolished in 1893. Rehabilitation work has been regularly undertaken: the latest was in 2013 to reduce the angle of inclination. If you're passing through St. Moritz in winter, stop here: the sight under the snow is worth the trip. A trip to take pictures with the family.