Zytglogge

Zytglogge, or Zeitglockenturm in Bern is a historic clock tower from the turn of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. On its facade there is a huge clock with golden hands decorated with the image of the Sun and the Moon. Below is the astronomical clock.

Four minutes before the full hour strikes, the mechanism next to the astronomical clock face is activated. All intricately made figurines begin to move. Sitting at the top of the structure, the red-bellied bearer rings small bells, while seven bears symbolizing the days of the week march around, reminding them of the quickly passing time.

Bear figurines are dressed in costumes that represent different professions. Above the teddy bears, in the central point on the throne sits Chronos (personification of time), in one hand he holds a golden scepter, in the other an hourglass.