Wattenwyl house, Residential building in Old Town, Bern, Switzerland.
The Wattenwyl house at Herrengasse 23 displays geometric wall paneling and ornate plasterwork on its facade. A carved pillar fountain graces the entrance, completing the architectural design of this grand residence.
The building underwent major reconstructions around 1690 and again between 1730 and 1740. In 1760, architect Erasmus Ritter implemented extensive alterations that shaped its present appearance.
The von Wattenwyl family shaped this neighborhood for centuries through their residence here. The ornate facade and decorated entrance reflect the wealth and standing of one of Bern's most influential families.
The building now contains several apartments after its division in the 1930s, making interior access limited. Since the city acquired it in 1954, a full renovation in 1982 brought the spaces up to modern standards.
During World War II, Allen Dulles, head of the American OSS, rented an apartment in this house for intelligence work. From this location in neutral Bern, he directed secret operations against Nazi forces.
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