Sinfonieorchester Basel and Stadtcasino Basel 1826-2026

10 June 2026

The Sinfonieorchester Basel and the Stadtcasino Basel celebrate their centuries-old cooperation and founding in 2026, generations before Paul Sacher  (1887-1964) founded the Chamber Orchestra Basel (Kammerorchester Basel) in 1926 (another milestone in Musikstadt Basel in 2026!).  The Sinfonieorchester Basel 1876-2026 The Sinfonieorchester Basel we know today is the culmination of a tradition that began more … Read more » “Sinfonieorchester Basel and Stadtcasino Basel 1826-2026”

Boundaries between cantons and municipalities in the Confederation.

3 May 2026

The external borders of the Swiss Confederation have remained virtually unchanged since 1815. Napoleon’s intervention had radically altered the external borders, and the Congress of Vienna (1814/1815) confirmed the independence and borders of the new Confederation. Rhäzuns, the last Austrian territory within the Confederation, became part of the canton of Graubünden in 1819. The King … Read more » “Boundaries between cantons and municipalities in the Confederation.”

The Bank for International Settlements in Basel

16 April 2026

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) was established in 1930 to administer Germany’s reparations payments, as stipulated in 1919 (Treaty of Versailles). More than 10 years later, during a period of very high inflation and a stock market crash (1929), it was clear that these reparations were economically unrealistic and politically dangerous for Germany. For … Read more » “The Bank for International Settlements in Basel”

The first French-speaking Reformed territory of the Confederation

18 January 2026

Aigle is the first French-speaking Reformed territory of the German-speaking Swiss Confederation (only the Catholic Fribourg was also Fribourg). Aigle first appeared in a document around 1140. This document refers to the Priory of St. Maurice of Aigle, founded by the Abbey of Agaune (St. Maurice). The monastery in Aigle no longer exists, as it … Read more » “The first French-speaking Reformed territory of the Confederation”

140 Years of Rowing with the Société Nautique de Neuchâtel

16 December 2025

The year is coming to an end, but a 140-year-old organisation deserves to be mentioned in 2025. The Société Nautique de Neuchâtel (SNN) was founded in 1885. The SNN was a club for various water sports, especially rowing, shallop outings, and sailing. Today, it is only a rowing club, but the name has remained unchanged. … Read more » “140 Years of Rowing with the Société Nautique de Neuchâtel”

750 years of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Lausanne

30 October 2025

Several master builders oversaw the construction of Lausanne Cathedral until the mid-13th century. Bishop Landry de Durnes initiated the building around 1170. Collection: Musée Historique Lausanne Construction began with the Romanesque apse, but the rest of the monument quickly adopted a Gothic architectural style and was completed around 1235, with the painted portal on the … Read more » “750 years of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Lausanne”

The Swiss Federal Court celebrates its 150th anniversary

27 October 2025

The Federal Court (Tribunal fédéral, Bundesgericht, Tribunale federale, Tribunal federal) celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. The 1848 Constitution already established a Supreme Court, but its powers were modest. It was only with the 1874 Constitution, which came into force in 1875, that the Federal Court became a permanent court. As the highest judicial authority … Read more » “The Swiss Federal Court celebrates its 150th anniversary”

One hundred years of the Treaty of Locarno and good Fatherhood

13 October 2025

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Locarno by France and Germany in Locarno on October 16 2025. The treaty was signed in London on December 1, 1925, and entered into force. Locarno (canton Tessin) was chosen because it was easily accessible for participants, located in neutral Switzerland, Italian-speaking … Read more » “One hundred years of the Treaty of Locarno and good Fatherhood”

Cavaione and Switzerland’s last territorial expansion in 1863

10 September 2025

150 years ago, the inhabitants of Cavaione received Swiss citizenship after being stateless for twelve years. The village, located on a very steep mountainside (perhaps the steepest settlement in Switzerland), is situated above Brusio in the Valposchiavo (canton of Graubünden) and not far from Tirano in the Valtellina (Italy). For centuries, the village was part … Read more » “Cavaione and Switzerland’s last territorial expansion in 1863”

Graubünden Car Free 1900-1925

31 May 2025

Switzerland boasts numerous historical, political, and cultural peculiarities, in addition to its stunning natural landscapes. One very special one, though, is the former car ban in Graubünden from 1900 to 1925. In 1925, there were 136 passenger cars; by 1967, this number had increased to 24,000. In 2020, there were approximately 150,000 cars for the … Read more » “Graubünden Car Free 1900-1925”