Well, if there is a beautiful prision, this one is it. It does not look like a prision at all. In Bern, even the prision is beautiful.

Have to see this truly unique and wonderful cornerstone of Berne's history! Can't miss it - It's right in the center of town.

I like the building itself a lot. On top of that they put on very interesting exhibutions often related in one way or another to Switzerland, its history, important policitically relevant decisions... If you want to learn something about this country, this is a good place for it.

The original tower was built as a gate house during the second expansion of Bern in 1256. It was demolished in 1640 a rebuilt in 1641. In 1405 the town’s prison was moved to the tower. In 1897 the prisoners were moved and the tower changed to an archive and court and now it is used as a meeting place... More

Like much of the architecture in Bern, the tower is small, charming and well preserved. It's not impressive, but it's worth a moment to look up at it when you wander the streets of the old city.