Erlacherhof, seat of the City Government

Image caption:

© Bern Tourism

Bern is the seat of the City, Cantonal and Federal Parliaments, Governments and Public Administrations and thus plays a central role in the political life of Switzerland. It has also developed into a major tourist attraction thanks to the picturesque old town, a «UNESCO world heritage site».

Milestones in Bern’s history:

• 1191 Founded by the dukes of Zähringen
• 1353 Joins the original «Swiss Confederacy»
• 1848 Selected as capital of Switzerland
• In the 20th century the city developed into a modern service centre, the seat of international organisations and companies
• In the early 21st century several major constructions by renowned architects were built («Paul Klee Centre», «Brünnen-Westside»)