Neuchatel
is a beautiful little town in Switzerland situated on Lake Neuchatel, but it is a city. It
was an anachronistic holdover from the middle ages well into the 19th
century. It's feudal past almost brought newly founded Switzerland and the Kingdom of Prussia to declare war on
each other in the middle of the 19th century. Today, it has a university and is a center for tourists visiting
the beautiful lakeside countryside and the Jura Mountains.
I like history. If it is sometimes weird and wonderful, so much the better.
Showing posts with label Burgundy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Burgundy. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Solothurn, Switzerland's Baroque Jewel
Everybody knows London, where the kings and queens of England were crowned and where the United Kingdom crowns kings and queens to this day. We know Rome where emperors were crowned for a thousand years. Most might know Aachen as the place where the kings of the Eastern Franks were crowned. But do you know Solothurn, where the kings of Burgundy were crowned for over 500 years?
Thursday, July 4, 2013
United Nations World Capital Geneva
Geneva is mostly seen as the seat of the United Nations and the International Red Cross. This is flattering, but it is also a very old city full of history with a unique international charm. At some time or another, it was capital to three kingdoms, home to a handful of saints and to many more less saintly. Situated on Lake Geneva (in French Lac Leman), it is a beautiful place to spend some days of a holiday.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Museum City: Basel
Basel is a cultural center with more than 60 museums. The city's special geographical situation bordering both Germany and France has brought forth peculiarities, such as three railway stations in the town center and a trinational airport. It is also a city steeped in legend, most of which is fervently believed by its inhabitants.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Good Queen Berta in Switzerland
Queen Berta of Burgundy, formerly Princess of Swabia, Queen of Upper Burgundy, Queen of Italy, and Empress of Rome, was buried in Payerne, a small town in today's Republic and Canton of Jura, Switzerland. She was first revered as a saint there, but her story started to grow as time went by. Soon she was known as Good Queen Berta. Still later, she acquired the name Queen Berta the Spinner. Even later, she would become godmother to a newly established republican state. And her story lives on today.
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