A Look Behind the Facades of the Bern Federal Buildings
Published: Saturday, Jul 1st 2023, 03:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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On Saturday and Sunday, the people of Bern can take a look behind the scenes of the federal buildings for the 175th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution - the birth of the modern federal state. A smartphone app has been developed to provide an official audio tour. The main attraction is the 300-meter long Federal House with the Parliament building. Visitors can also take a look at the Bernerhof, the West Wing of the Federal House, which is now the home of Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter's Finance Department, and which used to be a luxury hotel. The Hotel Bellevue Palace is also open to the public, where the State Banquets take place during state visits. During the Second World War and the Cold War, Bern became a hub of international espionage with the Bellevue at its center. A dozen buildings are open to the public, with exhibitions, films and tours. There will also be conversations with politicians, including Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider. Admission to the symbolic buildings requires all visitors over 16 to show official identification to security personnel. Outside, the Federal Mile will become a fun zone. The SBB offers a ticket for 17.50 francs for travel from all over Switzerland. The first Federal Constitution was created after a civil war (Sonderbundskrieg), which was initially rejected by the defeated Catholic-conservative states. The first total revision took place in 1874 and largely reconciled these circles with the liberal federal state.
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