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The Käfigturm (Prison Tower) is a medieval gate tower on Marktgasse that once marked the western boundary of the Old Town. After centuries as an actual prison, it now serves as a political forum hosting free exhibitions on Swiss democracy and current affairs.
Originally built around 1256 as the city's western gate, the Käfigturm was converted into a prison after the city expanded further west. It served as a jail until 1897 and was then repurposed for cultural and political use. Since 1999, a foundation operates it as a forum for political dialogue.