Up to the mid-19th century, the mineral hot baths in Baden im Aargau were known for their open-air thermal pools.

Gotthelf’s novel «The Black Spider» explores themes of greed, conflict and the power of the plague. But the author also voices his frustration over unchecked forest clearance in his home canton of Bern.

On 9 June 1712, Christoph Lieber lost his head. A prominent Catholic Klostervogt (abbey bailiff), Lieber was one of the reasons why the conflict between the Swiss denominations flared up again at the beginning of the 18th century.

The Battle of Novara on 6 June 1513 was the last great military victory of the Old Swiss Confederation and marked the peak of its power in Europe.

Until the first half of the 19th century, a pair of candle scissors was an essential tool in every home, and the wick-trimming tool of the lighting technician in every major theatre.

Born in a mountain valley in Ticino, Carlo Gatti moved on to Paris and later to London. He was the first street vendor of ice cream in London, eventually earning a reputation as the uncrowned “Ice Cream King” of Victorian England.

Of all the world’s democracies, Switzerland has the most extensive elements of direct democracy. The historical roots of this political structure lie in the country’s relatively well-developed educational system, and the rural uprisings of the 19th century.

How a “Chilbi” brought the quarrelling and hostile factions of the old Confederation round the table again…