Bern and Guilds

• Strategic position of Bern:

  • Surrounded by the Aare, which gives protection from the enemies and serves as a water and fish supply
  • Towers were built on high ground to ensure easy and early spotting of the enemies
• Guild: Organisation of Artisans / Craftsmen who banded together to regulate trade, protect their economic interests, and maintain high standards of quality in their craft.
• In Bern, most guild houses and symbols are still on public display on the streets. The guilds themselves are official "Vereine" now, that don't serve the same purpose as they did back in the middle ages.
• Unlike guilds in other regions, those in Bern were closely integrated in political, social, and even military matters.