Quick Summary:
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When was Bern declared a Free Imperial city?
- Bern was declared a Free Imperial city in 1218 as part of the Holy Roman Empire.
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What is Bern known as today?
- Bern is currently recognized as a Swiss Federal city and serves as the capital of Switzerland.
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Where is Bern's old city located?
- The old city of Bern was built on uneven ground, on a peninsula in the crook of the River Aare.
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What happened to Bern's buildings in 1406?
- In 1406, many of the wooden buildings in Bern were destroyed by fire and were later replaced by sandstone and half-timber framed structures.
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How many Swiss heritage sites are in Bern?
- There are 114 Swiss heritage sites in Bern, making it a city rich in cultural and historical significance.
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When was Bern's old town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Bern's old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
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How many people live in Bern?
- Approximately half a million people live in Bern and its surrounding areas, with a large percentage being foreigners.
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What is unique about shopping in Bern?
- Bern features 6 km of arcades, offering extensive undercover shopping throughout the city.
- Updated with new information since originally published.
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