Restoring Switzerland’s tallest cathedral

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Restorers are currently working on the spire. Tomas Wüthrich

Applying mortar to the buttresses of the spire. Tomas Wüthrich

Cutting out a damaged block of stone. Tomas Wüthrich

Reinforcements added to the mortar applied to the spire. Tomas Wüthrich

Scaffolding in the choir for the restoration of the windows and ceiling (l); working on the spire (r). Tomas Wüthrich

Cleaning the magnificently carved tympanum above the main portal. The souls of the damned have to be cleaned every six years, because of the birds that nest in them. Tomas Wüthrich

Lifting the top of the spire to expose the supporting post at 100 metres above the ground. Tomas Wüthrich

Completing a substitute stone for the spire (l); view of the cathedral square (r). Tomas Wüthrich

Mixing mortar. Tomas Wüthrich

Taking a break under a16th century ceiling. Tomas Wüthrich

The top of the scaffolding is 100 metres above the ground. Tomas Wüthrich

The cathedral is a permanent building site. Tomas Wüthrich

Discussing the work. Tomas Wüthrich

Applying mortar to tracery in the spire. Tomas Wüthrich

Engraving: putting the final touch to a replacement block. Tomas Wüthrich

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Few Bern residents can remember a time when the steeple of the city's cathedral was free of scaffolding. Despite this, 70,000 people visit the tower annually to enjoy the view over the rooftops. Restoration work is due for completion in 2014.

The well-known silhouette of Bern’s Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, would be incomplete without the imposing accent of the cathedral. Although the foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1421, it wasn’t until the period 1889 to 1893 that the crown was placed atop the structure, ending the construction process.

At the construction site 100 metres above the medieval city the wind whistles through the delicately shaped sandstone blocks. Rain and moisture have damaged the interior of the spire. The work being done should bolster the structure, and the sandstone is being restored. Around three per cent of the building material has to be replaced.

(Photos: Tomas Wüthrich)