Federal Palace of Switzerland - Bern, Switzerland
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fi67
N 46° 56.809 E 007° 26.649
32T E 381599 N 5200428
The Federal Palace of Switzerland in the south of the historic center of Bern. Here the Swiss Federal Assembly (federal parliament) and the Federal Council (federal government) are housed.
Waymark Code: WMC48J
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Date Posted: 07/23/2011
Views: 24
The Federal Palace of Switzerland is a building with three parts in the south of the historic center of Bern.
The west wing was built 1852-1857. Here is the administration, two government departments and the Federal Council.
The East wing, built from 1888 - 1892, holds two other government departments.
The central part, the Parliament Building was built 1894 - 1902. Here are the two chambers of the Federal Swiss Parliament. The National Council of Switzerland is the lower house with 200 seats, the number of seats for each canton depends on the population. The Council of States of Switzerland is the upper house with 46 seats. Two seats for each canton, but 6 of the 26 cantons are considered "half" cantons for historic reasons.
From 2006 until 2008 there were the first major renovations of the buildings.
During parliament sessions there is a visitor's tribune. Individuals do not need to book in advance, but maybe have to queue up for a long time, and the time allowed on the tribune may also be restricted. This is free of charge. Groups need to book in advance (several months). Outside the parliament sessions there are guided tours for groups available.
Type of Capitol: National
Address:
Parlamentsgebäude
Bern, BE Switzerland
3003
Dates of Construction: 1894 - 1902
Major Renovations: 2006 - 2008
Hours: During parliament sessions free entry to the visitor's tribunes (restricted space).
Capitol Web Site: [Web Link]
Historical Monuments/Memorials:
Bundeshaus
Natinalbank
Berner Kantonalbank
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