Of Water and Cheese — Curia Confoederationis Helveticae

The day was overcast.  This characteristic burnt green, the signature color of the archaic buildings in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Bern, somehow matched this unfortunate gloom of the weather well.  I meant this as a praise.

After exiting the SBB station with no idea where I was, I took some time to orient myself with the cartoon map on the tour book.  My innate sense took me eastward, which as the general direction of the Old Town.

The first site I found was the magnificent Federal House, the Bundeshaus.  WH Auer designed the building “in a bold Neo-Renaissance style and completed in 1902.”  The Latin proudly at display says “Curia Confoederationis Helveticae.” It means the Federal Assembly (or Senate) of Switzerland.

Perhaps I should pause and explain this Latin phrase.  The old Swiss Confederacy dates to the late medieval period.  In 1291, the Federal Charter was born and served as the founding document of Switzerland.  The country was once part of the Holy Roman Empire, until 1648.[1]  Its Roman past was the reason for its use of Latin even in modern times.

Today, we often see Switzerland using the reference “CH.”  Its currency, the Swiss Franc, is officially CHF.  The Latin name “Confoederatio Helvetica” means the Swiss Confederacy.  Thus the common reference to Switzerland as CH, including website domains.  Using Latin in its official capacities, such as on stamps and coins, is Switzerland’s way to respect the country’s linguistic diversity.  In the Federal Senate, members hold sessions in the four languages of German, French, Italian and Romansch (a romance language of the Swiss minorities).[2]

Normally one could sign up for a tour to see the chambers, but the day was closed to visitors.  I wanted to see the Domed Hall, which was a main structure separating the National Council and the Council of States.  It was too bad, I thought.  Instead I snatched a free postcard featuring the Swiss Coat of Arms that was in the Domed Hall.  There was also the Latin Motto: Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Uno, meaning “One for All, All for One.”

The building was grand and imposing.  Once outside, visitors would see a spectacular view of the River Aare, the bridges, and the over-the-distance suburban communities in plain view.  Next to the Federal Square was the National Bank of Switzerland on the eastern edge of the Plaza.

The very picturesque Altstadt streets was calm and pleasing in the morning.  I figured that I was on Kramgasse, distinguishable by the many statues serving as signposts along this main axis of the old town.  I turned around and the clock tower Zytglogge was right behind me.  There was restoration work during this winter season. It prevented me from taking a good look and a good picture.

[1] The Wikipedia on Switzerland.

[2] The Wikipedia on the Romansh language.