Hotel Astoria

Solothurn Tip

by bratsch

Solothurn is often described as the prettiest Baroque town in Switzerland. Indeed there is a unity of architechture there which is rare in Europe. In the center very little has changed since the 18th century.

White Town of St. Urs

by hartti

"Between French and German Culture"

Solothurn's history dates back to Roman times. As early as 350 BC the Romans built their "Castrum Salodurum", a bell-shaped walled fort. The remains can still be seen at Friedhofplatz and in Löwengasse. Most of the houses and buildings are made from white stone, pale Solothurn marble which is mined from the neighbouring mountains.

"Clock Tower"

In every Swiss town are 2 musts (I think): the clock tower and fountain. The clock tower, the city oldest structure was built in the first half of the Twelfth Century. Below it are the two city patrons from 1583, Urs and Viktor.

"Town of 11's"

Ask a Solothurner about the "holy Solothurn number 11". You'll be told that in 1481 Solothurn became the eleventh canton to join the Swiss Confederation. Or that this splendid baroque city contains eleven churches and chapels, eleven historic fountains and eleven towers.

It is no wonder that even the cathederal of Saint Urs has eleven altars and eleven bells, and that its imposing staircase leading down from the main door is made up of flights of eleven steps.

Solothurn

by o00o

Visiting my good friend Ms. Gabi Butiker in 1993. We have been knowing to each other for more than 20 years since elementaly school.

This photo taken with her family on the mountain nearby Solothorn Mulehweg.