Marktgasse, Bern | North side (Nos. 2–60)
Marktgasse forms the vibrant heart of Bern’s Old Town and, as a central section of the Upper Zähringer Town, is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Streetline panorama of the north side shown here covers the entire row of houses from number 2 (on the right at the junction with Kornhausplatz/Zytglogge) to number 60 (on the left at the junction with Waisenhausplatz/Käfigturm).
Urban Context and History
The alley connects Bern’s two striking city towers: the famous Zytglogge (Clock Tower) to the east and the Käfigturm to the west. It is a prime example of medieval urban planning, having retained its structure over the centuries and remaining vibrant to this day. Following the devastating city fire of 1405, Bern was almost entirely rebuilt in stone. The cohesive cityscape visible today is characterised by the consistent use of greenish Bernese sandstone, which lends Marktgasse its majestic and harmonious character.
Architectural features of the north side
The façade of the even-numbered houses (2 to 60) displays the typical vertical layout of Bern’s ‘Riemenparzellen’. Particularly characteristic of this street scene are:
The Bern Arcades (Lauben): The most striking feature is the continuous arcade on the ground floor. These arcades, which stretch for a total of six kilometres, form a weather-protected shopping promenade. Originally designed as storage and retail spaces, they now house modern boutiques and restaurants without detracting from the medieval appearance.
The cellar entrances: A unique feature of the streetscape are the striking, sloping wooden doors set into the ground directly beneath the arcades. These once led down to the deep storage cellars of the patrician houses. Today, these hatches often conceal studios, bars or small shops, extending commercial use to a second, underground level.
Renaissance fountain figures: The panorama is punctuated by two magnificent 16th-century fountains. The Schützenbrunnen (on the right-hand side of the picture) depicts a standard-bearer in armour as a symbol of the city’s defensive strength, whilst the Anna Seiler Fountain (on the left, in front of No. 60) honours the founder of Bern’s first hospital and represents the city’s social tradition.
Public space
Marktgasse is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. A distinctive feature of the street is the absence of traditional pavements in the centre of the street; the space is used as a wide, level area shared by pedestrians and Bern’s characteristic red trams. This interplay between modern mobility and historic character is what gives this World Heritage site its unique charm.
