The Käfigturm (Prison Tower) is Bern's second tower and was the second western city gate. The tower was erected from 1256 to 1344 and served as a prison in the period from 1641 to 1643 and continued as such until 1897. The clock was added in 1961.
In the period from 1977 to 1979 both the interior and exterior of the Prison Tower underwent complete renovation. Since 1999 the Prison Tower has served a new purpose. It is the seat of the Confederation's Political Forum and regularly hosts exhibitions and events relating to political issues.
Prisons, Towers - Misc, Museums - Culture
By: DonMartini