Federal Palace of Switzerland

The Federal Palace extends over 300 meters with a central parliament building flanked by east and west wings, displaying Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural styles. The structure is defined by elaborate facades marked by balanced proportions and decorative details throughout.

Construction began with the west wing in 1852, followed by the east wing in 1884, and completed with the central parliament building in 1902. This gradual expansion reflected the growth and development of the Swiss state during that century.

The building displays stones from different Swiss regions and decorative elements that reflect the constitutional principles and diversity of the 26 cantons. These materials and details tell the story of the country's federal structure and its many separate regions.

Visitors can admire the building from the outside and explore its impressive architecture from various angles around the federal city. Guided tours of the interior are available but have limited availability and require advance planning.

The central dome rises 64 meters above the assembly hall and was built with greenish-grey Bernese sandstone that complements the surrounding Old City buildings. This stone is quarried locally and gives the entire cityscape a cohesive color palette.

Location: Bern

Inception: April 1, 1902

Architects: Hans Wilhelm Auer

Official opening: April 1, 1902

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture, Beaux-Arts

Part of: list of cultural properties in Bern / Inner City (West), Old City of Bern

Website: https://parlament.ch/e/service-presse/fuehrungen/Pages/default.aspx

GPS coordinates: 46.94667,7.44417

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:27