Bern Minster, Bern BE

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Bern Minster, Bern BE

The history of the construction of Bern Minster began in 1421 with the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone. Over the course of several centuries, this monumental late-Gothic church was built, and in the 19th century it acquired its present-day silhouette with the addition of the striking neo-Gothic spire. The sandstone church building is tightly integrated on two sides into the narrow streets of Bern’s old town and has a significant impact on its spatial character. The stone-paved Münsterplatz lies in front of the west wing, serving as a public forecourt. To the south, the green Minster Terrace adjoins the church building and offers a view across the Aare Valley.

Our Questions

  • Will this landmark stand the test of time? 
  • Do systems that have stood the test of time over centuries need to be adapted? 
  • Will existing conservation methods continue to work? 
Damp sandstone masonry at Bern Minster © Berner Münster-Stiftung, Bern
If rainwater and condensation do not drain away, this can lead to moisture penetration, salt damage and frost damage in the sandstone masonry.

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