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How did Bern become a city?
When was Bern founded?
How did Bern become a Free State?
Did you know Bern was the capital of Switzerland in 1848?
Apr 10, 2024 · After the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty (1218), Bern became a free imperial city. Gradually it extended its power by acquiring surrounding territory, becoming an independent state that in 1353 entered the Swiss Confederation, which it soon began to lead.
Since then, Bern became a large city-state and a prominent actor of Swiss history by pursuing a policy of sovereign territorial expansion. Since the 15th century, the city was progressively rebuilt and acquired its current characteristics. Bern was made the Federal City in 1848.
With the acquisition of Vaud in 1536, Bern became the most powerful city-republic north of the Alps, and one of the leading Protestant cities in early modern Switzerland.
The city of Bern was founded in the year 1191 by Berchtold V, duke of Zähringen on a peninsula in the bend of the Aare river. From 1200 on, the city was expanded step by step: first from Nydegg Castle to the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), then all the way to the Käfigturm (Prison Tower), and later on the Nydeggstalden and Mattenenge were added.
The canton comprises the districts acquired by the city of Bern, the cantonal capital, between the 14th and the 16th century. From 1803 to 1814 the canton of Bern was one of the six directorial cantons of the Swiss Confederation.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Milestones in Bern’s history: 1191 Founded by the dukes of Zähringen. 1353 Joins the original «Swiss Confederacy». 1848 Selected as capital of Switzerland. In the 20th century the city developed into a modern service centre, the seat of international organisations and companies.
Bern was founded in 1191 when Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen commanded a nobleman to build a city on a peninsula covered by an oak forest. The forest was cut down and the felled timber was used to build houses. The Clock Tower that stands today in the Old Town formed the city gate.
