Bern - Switzerland

The 1st of these cards were also sent by Grace but the 2nd arrived this week, sent by Óscar. 

The city of Bern is Switzerland's capital. 

Bern lies on the Swiss plateau in the Canton of Bern, slightly west of the centre of Switzerland and 20 km (12 mi) north of the Bernese Alps. 

The city was originally built on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the River Aare, but outgrew the natural boundaries by the 19th century. A number of bridges have been built to allow the city to expand beyond the Aare.

 © Photoglob Zürich

The Old City of Bern is the medieval city center of Bern, Switzerland. Built on a narrow hill surrounded on three sides by the Aare River, its compact layout has remained essentially unchanged since its construction during the 12th to the 15th century. Despite a major fire in 1405, after which much of the city was rebuilt in sandstone, and substantial construction efforts in the 18th century, Bern's old city has retained its medieval character.

The Old City is home to Switzerland's tallest cathedral as well as other churches, bridges and a large collection of Renaissance fountains. In addition to many historical buildings, the seats of the federal, cantonal and municipal government are also situated in the Old City. It is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1983 due to the compact and generally intact medieval core and is an excellent example of incorporating the modern world into a medieval city. Numerous buildings in the Old City have been designated as Swiss Cultural Properties of National Significance, as well as the entire Old City. - in: wikipedia

Copyright by Wefo-Verlag AG

The Cathedral of Bern (Das Berner Münster) is Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building. Construction started in 1421 and continued under a series of different builders for generations.

The spire was finally completed in 1893. The portal with its depiction of the Last Judgment is a remarkable feature. The vantage point of this masterpiece is located 344 steps above the entrance, in the 100m-high cathedral spire.

From Switzerland's highest church tower visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the city and into the Bernese Mittelland and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland.

The Cathedral is Switzerland's largest and most significant church from the Late Middle Ages. As the dominant structure in Bern's Old Town, (...) the Cathedral plays a pivotal role in the city's architecture. - in: http://www.bern.com/en/city-of-bern/attractions/cathedral-of-bern