Description of the attraction
The Federal Palace, or Parliament, which dominates the Bundesplatz, is both the seat of the Federal Council, that is, the government, and the Federal Assembly (Parliament) of Switzerland.
After the founding of the federal state in 1848, the Federal Council and Parliament first met in different buildings in Bern. The general building for the government, now the western wing of the architectural complex of the Federal Palace, was erected in 1852 according to the plans of the local architect Jacob Friedrich Studer, who was assisted by Horace Edward Davine. The mansion was inaugurated on June 5, 1857. There were two halls in it, which were intended for two houses of parliament - the National Council and the Council of Cantons. In addition, it housed 96 offices for officials from the federal administration and living quarters for the Chancellor of the Confederation. Today, the Federal Council holds its weekly meetings in the hall overlooking the Aare River, located on the ground floor.
The central part of the Parliament was built in 8 years and opened in April 1902. The architect Hans Wilhelm Auer worked on the project of this palace. The construction work cost the Swiss government 7 million francs. The area of the new building is 3742 sq. M. This part was built between the old Federal Palace and the wing, erected in 1888-1892.
A huge monument weighing 28 tons is erected directly under the dome, dedicated to the three cantons, which were the first to enter the Swiss Confederation.
You can visit the Parliament absolutely free. Tours are organized every hour. To enter the building of the Federal Palace, you need to have your passport with you.
