1878 Reclus print BERN, SWITZERLAND (#9)

Description: 1878 Reclus print BERN, SWITZERLAND (#9) Nice print titled Berne. - vue prise du Schaenzli, from wood engraving with fine detail and clear impression, nice hand coloring, approx. image size is 13 x 19 cm. From La Nouvelle Géographie universelle, la terre et les hommes / The Earth and Its Inhabitants, great work of Elisee Reclus. Click here or image for larger version Bern, also spelled BERNE, capital of Switzerland and of Bern canton, west-central Switzerland. It lies along a narrow loop of the Aare River. The existence of the ancient castle of Nydegg, guarding a crossing over the Aare, probably led Berthold V, duke of Zähringen, to found Bern in 1191 as a military post on the frontier between the German-speaking Alamannians and the French-speaking Burgundians. After the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty (1218), Bern became a free imperial city. Gradually it extended its power by acquiring surrounding territory, becoming an independent state that in 1353 entered the Swiss Confederation, founded in 1291. It soon took the lead in the confederation. It was the scene of a disputation in 1528 between Roman Catholics and reformers that led to its acceptance and subsequent championship of Protestant doctrines. In the 18th century Bern governed 52 territories, and its patricians exercised considerable power. The whole system of Bernese patrician government was swept away by the French in 1798 and, although partially revived in 1815, ended in 1831. Bern became the political capital of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. Old Bern, connected by several bridges to newer parts of the city on the right bank, preserves more of its medieval appearance than any other Swiss city. Old Bern is characterized by arcades, towers, and 16th-century fountains. The Gothic Münster (cathedral; 1421-1598) with its 328-foot (100-metre) spire (completed 1893) is the dominant landmark. Also notable are the city hall (1406-16, restored 1942) and the Nydegg Church (1494). The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus; 1852-1901) houses the Swiss federal parliament; it also houses the administrative and executive offices of the federal government. The famous Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm), with a 16th-century clock and puppets that revolve at the hour, and the Cage Tower (Käfigturm) are the two remaining towers of the old walls that once protected the city. A favourite decorative motif is the bear (Old High German: bero), the town's heraldic device and said to be the source of its name; perhaps the most famous Bern landmark is the bear pit, where several bears have been kept on display at the city's expense since 1513. The University of Bern was founded in 1834 and incorporates the Theological School (founded 1528). The City and University Library contains many manuscripts and rare books. The Swiss National Library is also in Bern, as is the headquarters of the Swiss National Bank. There are historical, natural history, art, rifle, and Alpine museums. As well as being the federal capital, Bern is the headquarters of the international postal, telegraph, railway, and copyright unions. Its industries include the manufacture of chocolate, machinery, electrical equipment, textiles, and chemical and pharmaceutical products. It is also a market for agricultural produce and a busy rail junction. The airport at Belpmoos, 6 miles (10 km) southeast, has a regular summer service linking Bern with Zürich's international airport. The population is mainly German-speaking and Protestant. Pop. (1989 est.) 135,147. Buyer pays shipping at cost. I prefer payment by PayPal, but I'll also accept any other payment method and currency (except direct payment by credit card) that is convenient for buyer. I combine shipping of multiple items. IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SHIPPING: Price quoted with auction is for surface mail to European countries. Please don't pay before you receive invoice from me. If shipping address is within Europe I recommend surface mail, you don't gain much time with airmail, it is just more expensive.

Price: 21.99 USD

Location: Zagreb, Croatia

End Time: 2024-12-09T12:24:15.000Z

Shipping Cost: 8.5 USD