#swisshistory

📍Location: Landesmuseum Zürich (Swiss National Museum), Museumstrasse 2, Zürich, Switzerland 🎟️Tickets: CHF 10 for adults; free with Swiss Travel Pass or under 16s; some exhibitions may have additional fees 👀 Why it’s breathtaking: Housed in a fairytale-like castle, the Landesmuseum offers an immersive journey through Swiss history — from medieval knights and traditional costumes to cutting-edge design and national identity. Interactive exhibits and a mix of old and modern architecture make it a cultural gem in the heart of Zürich. 💡 Tip: Visit on a rainy day or your first day in Switzerland to gain rich cultural context. Don’t miss the impressive spiral staircase and the rooftop view from the new wing. #LandesmuseumZurich #SwissHistory #ZurichCulture #MuseumGoals #SwitzerlandTravel #HiddenGemsZurich #CulturalEscape

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn Nestled at the foot of the Alps in eastern Switzerland, Chur is a town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. As the oldest town in Switzerland, Chur offers a captivating blend of ancient charm, cultural richness, and scenic landscapes. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Chur has something to offer everyone. Walking through Chur's Old Town feels like stepping back in time. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved buildings that tell the story of the town's centuries-old history. One of the standout attractions is Chur Cathedral (Kathedrale St. Maria Himmelfahrt), an impressive structure that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral’s serene atmosphere and the breathtaking views from the surrounding area are truly awe-inspiring. Chur is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The Churer Kunstmuseum, a contemporary art museum, showcases both Swiss and international artists, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in modern art. The town's charming local galleries, craft shops, and cultural events further add to its creative spirit. For nature lovers, Chur offers some of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland. The nearby Rhäzüns is a haven for hiking and biking, with trails offering panoramic views of the Alps and the lush Grisonian region. In winter, the town’s proximity to world-class ski resorts like Arosa and Lenzerheide makes it an ideal base for winter sports. Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer: Perfect for hiking, exploring the old town, and enjoying outdoor festivals. Winter: A great time for skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts. Travel Tips: Don’t miss the Rundgang Chur, a walking tour that offers insight into the town's fascinating history and landmarks. Take a scenic ride on the RhB (Rhaetian Railway), which connects Chur to other picturesque Swiss towns and offers breathtaking mountain views. Visit the Arosa Bear Sanctuary located nearby to see the rescue bears in their natural habitat. Location: Chur, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland #ChurSwissCharm #OldestTownInSwitzerland #SwissHistory #ChurCathedral #SwissAlpsAdventure #ArtAndCulture #RhaetianRailway #SwissNature #ChurOldTown #OutdoorSwissEscapes

At the shore of Lake Geneva stands the beautiful Château de Chillon (prounounced SHEE-on). On this sunny day we went to Vevey to visit the Chillon Castle. Château de Chillon has a colorful history. Its development from a border outpost to its current stately presence was inextricably intertwined with its location and regional history. Chillon began as a Roman outpost. The Romans chose this location as a strategic decision. Northward, the route goes toward France and Germany. At the same time, the castle is at a location that stands on the route South to Italy. Officials at Chillon collected toll fees from all through traffic. Over the course of a few hundred years, the outpost was controlled by different authorities. These few hundred years, particularly during the 13th to 15th century, was also the time necessary for the construction of the Castle. The outpost served increasingly important functions in commerce, politics and defense. The Savoy, the Bernese and the Vaudois exercised influence over the castle in its later history. The Savoy period is worth a special mention because they were the ones that extended significant influence with Chillon as its administrative seat. The Savoyards acquired enormous financial gains from the toll, taxes, international trade and terrestrial expansion that they developed in the Chillon area. With this the counts of Savoy, most notably Pierre (1268) and Phillippe (1285), made architectural improvements to the Castle. It was with these developments that the Savoyard extended their influence into the Vaud region. As it serves a military purpose, the castle acquired structures of defense. For example, in the 11th century, there was only the lower part of the keep, the inner curtain wall and the glacis. By the 13th century, the Savoyards have added the outer curtain wall and three round watch towers in order to improve defense. The castle's history has drawn many famous people to the castle, particularly literary figures. Lord Byron, for example, visited the dungeon and carved his name onto the pillar. The muses were at work and thereafter he wrote the poem The Prisoner of Chillon, referring to Francois Bonivard, who was kept here as a political prisoner. #vevey #switzerland #switzerlandphotos #europe #chateaudechillon #castle #francoisbonivard #lordbyron #swisshistory #savoy #historicallandmarks#历史古迹

The street scenes of Bern left an everlasting impression on my mind. At first sight of Bern, I was surprised by its colors. The main color is a burnt green, consistently present in most of the sandstone buildings in the Altstadt. This burnt green is a shade lighter, and creamier, than the camouflage green used in the U.S. army. The buildings look very elegant. It is a kind of color that gives an aged vibe, perfectly befitting to Bern being a city that has stood the test of time. Yet on top of the Műnster St Vinzenz, I looked onto a completely different impression of Bern. The tops of the buildings are all in red. The warm hue seemed to express welcome, quite unlike the slightly colder tone of burnt green as I observed on the ground. The founder of Bern was Berthold V, Duke of Zahringen. Legend had it that he decided to name the settlement after the first animal that he hunted. It turned out to be a bear (Bär) and thus Bärn was the name of this settlement. In 1353, Bern joined the Swiss Confederation. A fire destroyed Bern’s then timber-made buildings in 1405. Thereafter its people rebuilt the town in stone, and thus, the beautiful sandstone buildings we see today in this archaic city. According to my guide book, the town has retained its character since. In 1528, the Bernese declared itself Protestant. It has since brought Protestantism to other regions in Switzerland, including Lausanne. The cobbled streets of Bern were once treaded upon by the troops of Napoleon, who made, in the history of Switzerland, the only invasion ever into this country in 1798. In 1848, Bern was chosen as the federal capital of Switzerland. The Altstadt is an incredibly pleasant walk. My only regret was that the Zytglogge closed for renovation. If given a chance, I would visit Bern again just to see it. #bern #switzerland #alstadt #capitalcity #europe #europeanarchitecture #swisshistory

The dying lion conveys such powerful emotions that no explanations are necessary. But perhaps the historical context of the monument helps in order to understand it better. Bertel Thorvaldsen was a famous Danish sculptor born in the 18th century. He designed the dying lion. Lukas Ahorn hewn this rock relief by hand in 1820-1821. The lion, known as the Löwendenkmal, commemorates the Swiss mercenary guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. They were the guards for Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace, after Louis XVI retreated from the Palace of Versailles. Some died during the battle. They were out of ammunition and seriously outnumbered by the Revolutionaries. Some died in the massacre that followed. Still some died in prison.[2] The Latin phrase above the rock, Helvetiorum Fidei Ac Virtuti, means “To the Loyalty and the Bravery of the Swiss.” The names of those who died and survived are also memorialized here. Mark Twain has praised the Löwendenkmal to be the “most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” #switzerland #switzerlandphotos #switzerlandtrip #lucerne #luzern #dyinglion #Löwendenkmal #sculpture #europe #europetrip #swisshistory #swissheritage #travel

#2024wish A riveting history of Switzerland at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, just recently. 🏰🕰️ The CHF 10 entrance fee was a bargain for the enriching cultural experience that one got. #SwissHeritage #ZurichMuseumAdventure The museum, located in a castle-like building is an artifact and exhibit collection that has been accumulated since centuries. The interactive displays are very much alive – from the medieval weaponry to traditional crafts, each section paints a story about Switzerland. 🏹🎭 The Helmhaus, an art gallery in close proximity to the historical path is a welcome addition. The modern art displays contrast the museum’s medieval appeal. 🎨🏰 The courtyard of the Swiss National Museum is a secret gem. The beautiful gardens and the castle’s architecture provide an oasis of tranquility in a city center. Ideal for a time of reflection. 🌳🏰 After the museum, take a walk along Limmat River towards Lindenhof hill. The views of the old town and river are beautiful from this point, which makes it a pleasant place to explore further. 🚶♂️🌇 The museum’s cafe Café National is a nice place to stop for coffee. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping in the castle ambience and having some Swiss treats. ☕🍰 Both history enthusiasts and those who are simply interested in Swiss culture should visit the Swiss National Museum. It is the cultural center of Zurich because it has an affordable entrance fee, varied exhibitions and nearby attractions. #SwissHistory #ZurichCulturalJourney