Bern

Bern, or BERNE, capital of the above canton and of Switzerland, is situated on a lofty sandstone promontory formed by the winding Aar, which surrounds it on three sides, and is crossed by several bridges, one of which is an imposing iron structure of 1883, 751 feet long, and 115 high. Bern is 68 miles by rail SSW. of Basel. It is one of the best and most regularly built towns in Europe, as it is the finest in Switzerland. The houses are massive structures of freestone, resting upon arcades, which are lined with shops, and furnish covered walks on both sides of the street. Rills of water flow through the streets. The view of the Alpine peaks from the city is magnificent. The principal public buildings are a Gothic cathedral (1421–1573), whose restoration and completion was undertaken in 1887; the magnificent Federal Council Hall (1857), the mint, the hospital, and the university. Bern has an interesting museum, and a valuable public library of 50,000 volumes. The manufacturing industry is trifling, and consists chiefly of dress fabrics and hats; but it has a considerable trade in the produce of the surrounding district. Pop. (1893) 47,620. Bern was founded in 1191, was made a free imperial city in 1218, under Frederick II., and gradually extended its possessions until it became an independent state; and between 1288 and 1339 successfully resisted the attacks of Rudolf of Hapsburg, Albert his son, and Louis of Bavaria. The 'Disputation of Bern' between Catholics and Reformers in 1528 (January 6–27) prepared the way for the acceptance of the reformed doctrine. Bern is the residence of foreign ministers, and, since 1849, the permanent seat of the Swiss government and diet. On account of the traditional derivation of its name (old Swabian bern, 'a bear'), bears have for several centuries been maintained in Bern at the expense of the community, and the bear-pit is still one of the 'sights' of the city.