Berne Cathedral

The collegiate church of Berne

A major and contemplative stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the collegiate church of Saint Vincent, the city's cathedral, is the largest late-medieval religious building in Switzerland. In the fifteenth century, Berne, the most important city north of the Alps, had no cathedral.

One hundred and fifty years of construction

It was decided in 1421 to build a collegiate church on the site of an older church. The works lasted one hundred and fifty years, several generations of master builders succeeding one another to realise this flamboyant Gothic building, designed to let in as much light as possible. The construction of the tower was stopped in 1521 at sixty metres, the foundations being unstable.

What to see

The tower was only completed in 1893, reaching one hundred metres, the tallest bell tower in Switzerland. The interior holds remarkable stained-glass windows and a carved tympanum of the Last Judgement. Enter this building with quiet and respect for the place of worship; the climb up the tower offers an exceptional view of Berne and the Alps.

Practical information

The collegiate church of Saint Vincent is in the heart of Berne's old town. Like any place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence and services; hours and access to the tower should be checked depending on the season.

How tall is the collegiate church tower ?

One hundred metres, making it the tallest bell tower in Switzerland, completed in 1893.

How long did the collegiate church take to build ?

About one hundred and fifty years, from 1421, in flamboyant Gothic style.