Felsenburg Castle (Bern)

The Felsenburg is a 13th-century castle in the city of Bern in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the names Blutturm (Blood Tower) or Wachtturm (Watchtower) were also common. The Felsenburg is located at Klösterlistutz 2 and 4.

Around 1260, the tower was built as part of the city's defenses and was first mentioned in a document in 1335. In 1583, the facade was significantly altered, and the tower lost its medieval appearance. Until about 1630, the road from the city passed through the gate in the tower.

In 1764, the tower was rebuilt again and received the pointed roof still visible today. Subsequently, the tower completely lost its military significance and was sold into private hands in 1862 and converted into a residential building. Among other things, the moat was filled in, the baroque triumphal arch was demolished, a staircase was added, and several window openings were broken out.

Between 2000 and 2002, the tower was extensively restored at the expense of the Burgergemeinde Bern.