Old crown, Administrative building in Bienne, Switzerland
The Old Crown is a former inn on Obergasse street that was later converted for administrative use. Its facade still displays late medieval features typical of buildings constructed for commerce during that era.
The structure was built in 1582 and served for centuries as a stopping point for travelers and merchants. In the years following the First World War, it was converted into an administrative office between 1915 and 1918.
The building displays its name prominently on the facade, making it easy for visitors to identify as they walk the street. It reflects how the local community values and maintains connections to its past.
The building sits on Obergasse, one of Bienne's main streets, and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Since it remains in active administrative use, visitors should check access options beforehand or plan to view it from the exterior.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stayed here in 1779 during his travels through Switzerland, linking the site to European literary history. This moment shows how the building attracted visitors from across the continent.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
