![]() The astronomical clock was extended to its current state. The Zytglogge received a new lantern (including the metal bellman visible today), four decorative corner towerlets, heraldic decorations and probably its stair tower. In the late 15th century, the Zytglogge and the other Bernese gate towers were extended and decorated after the Burgundian Romantic fashion. ![]() This clock, together with the great bell cast in 1405, gave the Zytglogge its name, which in Bernese German means "time bell". The prison cells were abandoned and a clock was first installed above the gate in the early 15th century, probably including a simple astronomical clock and musical mechanism. It suffered severe structural damage that required thorough repairs, which were not complete until after the last restoration in 1983. In the great fire of 1405, the tower burnt out completely. The Zytglogge as shown on a 1542 glass painting. At this time, the Zytglogge also received its first slanted roof. ![]() Only after the city's western defences were extended again in 1344–1346 up to the now-destroyed Christoffelturm, the Zytglogge was converted to a women's prison, notably housing Pfaffendirnen – "priests' whores", women convicted of sexual relations with clerics. When the rapid growth of the city and the further expansion of the fortifications (up to the Käfigturm) relegated the tower to second-line status at around 1270–1275, it was heightened by 7 metres (23 ft) to overlook the surrounding houses. At that time, the Zytglogge was a squat building of only 16 metres (52 ft) in height. These were erected after the city's first westward expansion following its de facto independence from the Empire. When it was built around 1218–1220, the Zytglogge served as the gate tower of Bern's western fortifications. Bern in 1638 with its three medieval guard towers, from left to right: Christoffelturm, Käfigturm, Zytglogge.
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