Description of the attraction
The Berne City Hall, despite the fact that it was built in the 15th century, is still used for its intended purpose: here, during five annual sessions, the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern meets. If you are lucky enough to be near the Town Hall at this time, then you will see the flag of the city raised above it. Throughout the year, the Town Hall serves as the seat of the regional government. Every Wednesday members of the government of the Canton of Bern meet in a special meeting room that is closed to the public at this time. Anyone can observe the session of the Grand Council of the Canton: a tourist or a local resident.
The central, ornate hall of Grossratsaal Town Hall is busy on Thursdays for meetings of the City Council responsible for local laws. Also, the town hall is the office of the Synod - the highest leadership of the Protestant Church of Bern.
The current building of the town hall was built at the beginning of the 15th century on the site of the old city hall, which was burned down in 1405 and erected in the first half of the 13th century. By 1415, the new Town Hall, designed by the architect Heinrich von Gengenbach and the carpenter Hans Hetzel, was ready. During the Republic of Helvetia, the local Town Hall was called the "Communal House". Between 1865 and 1868, a team of restorers led by Friedrich Salwisberg rebuilt the town hall in a neo-Gothic style.
The city hall of Bern received its present appearance in 1940-1942. Then various sculptures were installed on its facades depicting saints, mythological characters, and even animals.
Of particular note is the design of the two local meeting rooms. In the smaller one you can see the symbolism of the cities that are part of the canton of Bern, and a large portrait of one of the kings who once visited Bern. This painting dates from the early 15th century. There are also frescoes that tell the story of Bern. They are not painted on the walls, but on special canvases.
