Rathaus (Bern Town Hall), Bern

The Bern Town Hall (Rathaus Bern) stands as a historic emblem of governance and architectural splendor in Bern. This venerable structure not only houses the Grand Council of Bern, the Executive Council of Bern, and the Grand Council of the City of Bern but also forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Old City of Berne, emphasizing its significance in Swiss heritage.

The history of Bern's town halls dates back to the original Burger Hus, replaced around 1355 by what later became the site for the current Town Hall. After a devastating fire in 1405 destroyed much of the city, including the first town hall, a new, grander structure was planned. Construction began in 1406–07 under Heinrich von Gengenbach's direction and was finished around 1417 by an unnamed successor. The building underwent various renovations and expansions, including the addition of a grand external staircase between 1430 and 1450, as well as enhancements in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as adjacent council buildings and a staircase tower.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Bern Town Hall saw various partial renovations. A comprehensive restoration took place from 1865 to 1868 under Friedrich Salvisberg, who transformed its facade into the Neo-Gothic style. A further renovation in 1940–42 led by Martin Risch stripped back many of the Neo-Gothic elements, aiming to return the exterior to its earlier form and refurbish the interiors to match original designs.

Today, the Bern Town Hall serves as a functional government building while still preserving historical elements. The structure is a three-story sandstone building, notable for its symmetrical south facade centered around a large, open-air staircase and main entrance loggia. This entrance is adorned with the coat of arms of Bern and flanked by shields representing the former districts of the canton, illustrating the town hall's symbolic role in regional governance.

Inside, the ground floor hosts a large hall originally used as a market and courtroom. This hall restored to its medieval design during the 1940s renovation, is supported by free-standing columns and wall-attached columns, which support the oak beams of the council chambers above. The Bern Town Hall remains a cornerstone of Bern's civic and historical landscape, its architecture and ongoing use reflecting centuries of Swiss history and governance.