Switzerland

The centrepiece of the Vieille Ville, the historic old town on the left bank of the Rhône, is the Place... du Bourg-de-Four, where the Roman forum once stood. Old houses on whose façades the old pub signs have sometimes been left flank the picturesque square on which markets were held in the Middle Ages. The Cathédrale St-Pierre, the oldest parts of which date back to the 12th century, flanks the northern side; inside you can still see the stall used by the great church reformer Calvin. Antique shops, art dealers and original small shops around the fountain, decorated with flowers, attract visitors to stroll around and browse. The cosy cafés and bars around the square are popular meeting points and the terraces are the best place to watch the lively goings-on in the alleyways. more

The town's most impressive church is the cathedral. Its 100 m (300 ft) spire is the tallest in the land... and provides a splendid view of the old town and the Bernese Alps. Construction of the cathedral lasted from 1421 into the second half of the 16th century. The steeple was completed as late as 1893. The late gothic main portal by Erhart Küng, showing the Last Judgement, was spared by the iconoclasts during the Reformation - perhaps because people of high standing, too, are shown in hell. Inside, the lovely cycle of glass paintings on the chancel windows, the double ring of choir stalls and the "Himmlische Hof", the alter room adorned with magnificent keystones, are captivating. more

Early on in the 13th century, the so-called Frauenkloster zu Brunnadern already stood in the territory... of today’s Orangerie Elfenau at the river Aare. A prominent guest, the emigrated Russian Grand Duchess Anna Feodorowna, found refuge here and, in the year of 1814, purchased the estate along with the country house, which had been erected in 1735. Since the end of World War I, the city of Bern has been the proprietor of the Elfenau and later on established the municipal gardens there. Thus, the Elfenau became a popular recreational area for the city population. The harmonious interplay of nature and Baroque landscaping is especially remarkable. In the summer, the Elfenau, with its wide range of cultural events and exhibits, turns into a social gathering place, just like in the olden days. more