15 November 2022
The Three Countries Museum (Dreiländermuseum) in Lörrach opened its series of 38 cross-border exhibitions on the theme of the Rhine on 11 November with a vernissage in the Evangelische Stadtkirche. Vernissage, the choir with French, German and Swiss songs from the nineteenth century. On 12 November, the annual meeting of the network of historical societies … Read more » “The Rhine in 38 Exhibitions”
4 November 2022
At last, on 9 August 1847, 175 years ago, the first train carrying passengers ran on the Zurich-Baden railway (Canton Aargau) to the station in Baden. The railway was named Spanisch-Brötli Bahn because, according to the story, a patisserie in Baden transported Spanish sandwiches quickly and fresh to Zurich. Railway Station Baden, 1890. Photo: Staatsarchiv … Read more » “175 Years Swiss Railways”
1 November 2022
The exhibition “Ave Caesar! Römer, Gallier und Germanen am Rhein” shows the relations between the civilisations of the Mediterranean and the tribes of the Celts (or Gauls) and Germans along the Rhine. The Host Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) and his successors. Bust of the statue, legionary camp near Nijmegen, marmor, late 1. Century BCE. … Read more » “Ave Caesar. A greeting from the Celts”
15 October 2022
The year 1848 marked a new beginning for the transport sector in Switzerland. The railways are the best-known example. However, the Postauto also appeared. As early as the 18th century, diligences and stagecoaches crossed the mountain passes of Switzerland. They transported passengers and mail. They were private companies. 1906-1960 In 1849, the federal government established … Read more » “The Swiss Postauto”
9 October 2022
The Eco Museum Simplon focuses on the transit traffic of the Simplon Pass, its history and the natural environment of the Simplon and the valley. The museum combines landscape with cultural history, hence the addition ‘Eco’. The museum has several buildings with permanent exhibitions. It is primarily an open-air museum, featuring the medieval ‘saum’ road … Read more » “The Simplon Pass, Gondo and the Ecomuseum Simplon”
3 October 2022
The word ‘baroque’ has a different meaning today than two centuries ago. It now stands for theatrical or exaggerated behaviour, language or appearance. The term derives from the Italian ‘Barocco’ and refers to a pearl with irregularities. The Italian origin was the Council of Trent (1545-1563). This council was the Catholic Church’s response, the Counter-Reformation, … Read more » “Baroque. Age of Contrasts”
27 September 2022
Napoleon created the Batavian Republic (1795-1801) after the occupation of the Republic of the United Provinces in 1795. The new Republic was based on the French revolutionary ideals, centralism and the plunder of the rich Dutch funds. This Republic unified the seven sovereign provinces and created a new administrative division. However, it was too ambitious. … Read more » “The Helvetic Republic and the Batavian Republic”
23 September 2022
The Premonstratensian Abbey of Bellelay (Commune of Saicourt, Canton of Bern) is known for its water system and ponds. The Prince-Bishop of Basel, Ortlieb von Frohburg (unknown-1164), founded the abbey around 1140. French troops destroyed the monastery in 1797. It was rebuilt and has been in use as a hospital ever since. Collection: Musée jurassien d’art et … Read more » “Bellelay and the Tête de Moine”
14 September 2022
The Vatican’s Swiss Guard (Pontificia Cohors Helvetica) expands from 110 to 135 men. Therefore the small army is looking for new recruits: these must be Catholic, male, unmarried and of Swiss nationality. Pratteln, Galerie Beyeler, exhibition ´Schweizer Garde´, 2019. Photo: TES. The Guard was founded in 1506. It is the only foreign military organization Swiss … Read more » “The Pontifical Swiss Guard”
28 August 2022
Last weekend (26-28 August), Switzerland’s sporting event of the year took place in Pratteln (canton of Basel-Landschaft). It was not about skiing, cross-country skiing or ski jumping, nor hiking, mountaineering, cycling or rowing (the annual Bilac will not take place until 17 September). The event, which has been organised by the Eidgenössische Schwinger- und Älplerfest … Read more » “Schwingen in Switzerland”
