In the spotlight
The bishop’s court in Chur
The bishop’s court in Chur (canton Graubünden) consists of the Palace, the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption (St. Mariae Himmelfahrt) and the residences for the chapter. A Part of the bishop’s Palace is used by the Domschatz Museum today. The other part is being renovated and will be opened to the public. 1,600 years of … Read more » “The bishop’s court in Chur”
In the spotlight
The Wall of Reformers
The Wall (Le Mur des Réformateurs, Monument international de la Réformation) of hundred metes was built in 1909 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Jean Cauvin (1509-1564), better known as Jean Calvin. Calvin fled from France in 1535 to relatively tolerant Basel, the hometown of Desiderius Erasmus (1467-1536). Basel converted to the … Read more » “The Wall of Reformers”
Events
Writing, Able to Write
The Jan Michalski Foundation opens the year with the exhibition ‘Colette | Écrire, pouvoir écrire’, which traces the journey of an author who made writing the place and the instrument of her emancipation, a way of exploring the possible. The exhibition curator will offer two guided tours on Saturday, 14 January, followed by a poetic … Read more » “Writing, Able to Write”
Commemorations
Bourbaki in Verrières and Lucerne
On 1 February 1871, the French general Justin Clinchard (1820-1881) and the Swiss general Hans Herzog (1819-1894) agreed in Les Verrières (canton of Neuchâtel) on the crossing of the border by the exhausted and defeated French army of 87 000 men and their horses and equipment. The Bourbaki Panorama in Luzern, a European cultural monument, … Read more » “Bourbaki in Verrières and Lucerne”
Monuments
The Monasteries of Basel
Almost 500 years ago, in 1525-1529, the ten monasteries in Basel ceased to exist. The city became the new owner. The bishop, too, left the town and went to Porrentruy. The Reformation reached Basel, and 450 years of history ended. The first monastery St. Alban was founded in 1083. The second monastery was St. Leonhard, … Read more » “The Monasteries of Basel”
Latest news
The Von Wattenwyl Talks
30 January 2023
This year’s first “Von Wattenwyl Talks” between the leaders of the Federal Council parties and the national government will take place on Friday, 3 February 2023, in the Beatrice von Wattenwyl House in Bern. The “Von Wattenwyl Talks” with the heads of the government parties in the run-up to each session of the Federal Assembly … Read more » “The Von Wattenwyl Talks”
Agenda
Swiss Constitution 1848-2023
1 February 2023
Switzerland has had a democratic Constitution since 1848. This Constitution still influences daily life in direct and indirect ways. Over time, the Constitution has evolved and adapted to new social, societal and political realities. On its 175th anniversary, the National Museum Zurich presents its history, especially fundamental rights, personal freedom and political rights and duties.
Constitution, Democracy, cantons
The Sonderbundswar that brought Peace
19 December 2022
Switzerland has a reputation for slow political decision-making. However, the country did lead the way in introducing democracy and Europe’s first trilingual confederal democratic (for men) republic in 1848. The cantons are the experimental gardens of new political concepts; ultimately, the citizens always have the last say because all citizens are politicians. So it was … Read more » “The Sonderbundswar that brought Peace”
Local history
The First Chocolate Multinational
1 February 2023
Philippe Suchard (1797-1884) was one of the pioneers of the chocolate industry in Switzerland. He initially worked in his brother’s coffee shop but left for America in 1824. There, he found inspiration for his career in the chocolate industry. Philippe Suchard in Serrières. In 1824, he opened his first chocolate shop, “Chocolat Suchard” in Neuchâtel. … Read more » “The First Chocolate Multinational”
Nature and Tourism
The natural grandeur of Pontresina
17 January 2023
Pontresina (canton of Graubünden) may not have the (tourist and Olympic) status of nearby St Moritz, but the village lies at the foot of the canton’s largest glacier and highest mountain (4049 m.). The beginning of the Gletscherpfad at the famous hotel-restaurant Morteratsch The grandeur is not limited to these natural phenomena. Pontresina also had … Read more » “The natural grandeur of Pontresina”