Marktgasse 67
3011 Bern
Käfigturm
From a prison tower to a tower of democracy
Planning and execution
1256 Construction of the wooden tower as a defensive tower and part of the extended town fortifications. From 1405 Used as a prison.
1640 Demolition of the wooden tower
1640–1644 Construction of the new tower
1691 Installation of the clock mechanism and fitting of the two clock faces
1794–1805 Extension of the adjoining building from two to four storeys (current height)
1903 Opening of a second archway in the adjoining building (current pedestrian passage) and addition of the staircase
1976–1980 Complete renovation and commencement of use as an information centre
2022 Refurbishment and installation of the lift (atelier a und b ag)
Architects
atelier a und b ag (refurbishment)
Client
Canton of Bern
Description
The Käfigturm has a chequered architectural history: originally built as a defensive tower forming part of Bern’s city walls, it served as a prison for almost 500 years. Today, the Polit-Forum Bern association runs the tower as the Democracy Tower. Over the course of history, it has been completely demolished and rebuilt, repeatedly altered structurally and, most recently, made more accessible through the installation of a lift.
Renovation 2022: The Disability Discrimination Act came into force in 2004 and stipulates that all public buildings must be accessible. Since then, various proposed solutions for the Käfigturm have been examined. In an intensive process involving all stakeholders, the search was on for the right location for the necessary lift. In this exceptional construction project, the following conflicting priorities had to be considered and reconciled. The historically valuable building fabric was respected, and the harmonious integration of the lift as a defining feature was taken into account. The operational requirements of the users and the implementation of accessibility were taken into consideration. The client’s requirements and specifications regarding quality, deadlines and costs were met.
Visits and guided tours
Type of visit: Guided tours in groups / individual visits possible between
guided tour slots
Booking: required (for guided tours)
Group size: maximum 25 people
Meeting point: Inside the tower, 1st floor
The development of democracy in Switzerland has not been without conflict. This is also evident at the Käfigturm in its original function as a prison. Using the Käfigturm as an example, the guided tour provides an insight into the history of the tower, the development of democracy and the contemporary history of Switzerland.
Free visits
Saturday, 10:00-16:00
Sunday, 12:00-16:00
Guided Tours
Saturday, 11:15-12:15 - Employees of Polit-Forum Bern (Käfigturm)
Saturday, 14:15-15:15 - Employees of Polit-Forum Bern (Käfigturm)
Sunday, 13:15-14:15 - Employees of Polit-Forum Bern (Käfigturm)
Sunday, 14:45-15:45 - Employees of Polit-Forum Bern (Käfigturm)
Directions
Bus no. 12 or tram no. 9 to "Bärenplatz"
Location
Marktgasse 67
3011 Bern