Erlacherhof, Rococo palace in Old City of Bern, Switzerland
The Erlacherhof is a Rococo palace in the Old City of Bern featuring three large French windows that open toward a garden terrace. The interior walls are decorated with green timber paneling and the floors are laid with reconstructed parquet.
The palace was built between 1745 and 1752 by architect Albrecht Stürler for Hieronymus von Erlach. From 1848 to 1857 the building served as the first seat of the Swiss Federal Council.
The grand hall displays ceiling stucco work created by Johann August Nahl showing allegorical figures representing science and art. These artistic elements shaped the character of the space and reflected the building's importance during its time.
The building now functions as the administrative office and residence for the mayor of Bern and hosts weekly city council meetings. Visitors should check in advance as the building may not always be open for tours due to its active governmental role.
The building was created by combining two earlier houses including the former residence of the von Erlach family and the home of Adrian von Bubenberg. A crowned monogram HvE on the roof pediments marks this blending of two separate structures.
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