The ancient German-speaking Solothurn is considered amazing in its purity and splendor the example of the Baroque in Switzerland . It is here that Italian luxury meets with German pedantry and French charm, turning into one of the most colorful and atmospheric cities in all the Alps . And the sights at this place under become - 11 churches and chapels, fountains and mansions, parks and museums of Solothurn are capable of capturing even the tourist who has seen the species .Special charm to the city is given by the number 11, which occurs here, it seems, at every turn. .
A special pleasure is to take a boat trip along the Aaru River, where, in fact, Solothurn costs . Every year from May to October cozy small ships leave from the moorage of the city to the village of Altreu, where the largest colony of storks in the country is located, or to Buren, whose Old Town is included in the list of national treasures . Rural landscapes, visible in the distance Jurassic mountains, monasteries, aro atnoe herbs and typical Swiss calm - traditional companions on this journey .
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How to get
Most conveniently - from Zurich, which accepts direct flights from Russia. From the main railway station of Zurich to Solothurn, direct trains run once every hour, every 04 minutes, that is at 13:04, 14:04, 15:04 and so on. Direction - to Geneva airport or to Lausanne, en route 53 minutes. The fare is about 40 CHF one way to the second class
In addition, you can get to Solothurn by train, following to Biel / Bienne, it leaves once an hour, on the way a little longer - about 57 minutes. Finally, from Zurich to Bern express shuttle, which stops in Olten, where you can transfer to a regional train to Solothurn, schedule "tailored" so the transplant did not take long, the total travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
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"city 11"
funny nickname "11 city" got Solothurn chance: this figure has mystical significance in the fate of the city . first, Canton was 11 who joined the Swiss Confederation . Secondly, in Solothurn the level about 11 churches and chapels, as well as 11 fountains and the same number of fortress towers . But that's not all: in the main church of the city - the cathedral of St. . Ursa - 11 altars and 11 bells, and even the staircase in front of the church consists not of traditional 10-march spans, and, as it is easy to guess, from 11 . Of course, the city with might and main supports this amusing digital game, even the local brewery is called Öufi ("eleven") .
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Entertainment, excursions and attractions in Solothurn
@ From the 16th to the 18th century, Catholic Solothurn was the residence of French envoys, so it's no wonder why the architecture of the Swiss city is so strongly influenced by the influence of the frog neighbors. Fine examples of Baroque and Renaissance, 11 churches and chapels, fountains, towers, remains of Roman walls are only a part of the riches that this amazing old city keeps.
Old Town
The Old Town of Solsturn, located just in 10 minutes walk north from the railway station, mysteriously sheltered behind a massive city wall. The best view that opens to this center of Baroque mansions and churches is from the embankment, when the old cathedrals are reflected in the river, and the picturesque Jura Mountains are seen in the distance.
Through the whole Old Town and along the river stretches the main street Hauptgasse, on it there is the lion's the proportion of restaurants, shops and attractions, in particular the Cathedral of St. Urs, Clock Tower, Arsenal. Going to the Altstadt is best through the East Gate (Baseltor) - this is the most beautiful entrance to the city, where Hauptgasse starts from.
St. Urs Cathedral
Sankt Ursen Kathedrale - the tallest in the city, this building you will see hardly ever get on the territory of the Old City through the Eastern Gate. Built in the 18th century, its appearance reminds the temple of a modest bride: all because of the gray-white stone, and also the classical Italian style in which it is made. But inside - a magnificent baroque: the works of Francesco Pozzi and Domenico Corvi, frescoes, stucco molding, sculpture.
Working hours: every day 8: 00-12: 00 and 14: 00-19: 00, from October to Easter - until 18:00, admission is free.
Jesuit Church
@ The Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) can not boast of a magnificent facade, but the interiors of the temple can compete with their beauty and grandeur with the Cathedral of the city. Inside there is a baroque stucco and a rich marble decor, which is actually a tree and a plaster cast. Built in 1680-1689, it mainly attracts the attention of tourists with its altar of 1704 and the picture "The Assumption of Our Lady" by Franz Karl Stauder
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm) is an indispensable attribute of almost every city in Switzerland , and Solothurn is no exception. Its ancient tower, which dates back to the second, the 12th century, is located just west of Hauptgasse Street near Marktplatz. Figures on the astronomical clock move a little - a little turn every hour. Another interesting feature is the length of the arrows. Here a short indicates minutes, and a long one, on the contrary, for hours.
Fountain of Justice
An exceptionally amusing water monument, which is located just west of the Clock Tower. He appeared on the streets of the city in the distant 1561 and immediately attracted the attention of the public. And the whole point is that besides, in fact, Justice (ladies with a blindfold, sword and weights), it is surrounded by four important figures of Europe at that time - the "humanized" Holy Roman Empire, the Pope, the Turkish sultan and ... the mayor Zoloturna
Art Museum
The Art Museum of Solothurn (Kunstmuseum) is considered one of the most interesting in the city. Here draws attention to the portrait of William Tell (author Ferdinand Hodler), which is depicted with red hair, in a white shirt and, sorry, short pants. Be sure to pay tribute to the "Madonna of Solothurn" (1522) by Hans Holbein Jr. - this is one of the few masterpieces in the museum. In addition, you can see the works of Kuno Amie, Meret Oppenheim and Jean Tangli
Address: Werkhofstrasse, 30. Visiting free of charge, if you wish, you can leave a small donation. Opening hours: 10: 00-12: 00 and 14: 00-17: 00 Tues-Fri, 10: 00-17: 00 Sat-Sun
Old Arsenal
The Old Arsenal Building (Altes Zeughaus) recalls those glorious and cheerful days when Solothurn was a famous center of hired soldiers who fought bravely, as a rule, against the French kings . All four floors of the massive building are open to tourists and attract a lot of "interestingness" (in particular, more than 400 weapons) . For example, on the first floor in a row, powerful guns of different eras were lined up, the second floor hides an excellent collection of muskets and rifles . Another floor above the buildings There is an exhibition of armor, and the last one, the 4th floor is all kinds of military suits .
Address: Zeughausplatz, 1. Opening hours: 10: 00-12: 00 and 14: 00-17: 00 Tues-Sun May-October, 14: 00-17: 00 Tues-Sun November-April. The cost of visiting 4-6 CHF.
Neighborhoods of Solothurn
In the vicinity of Solothurn there are almost more attractions than in the city itself. For example, the symbol of the whole canton is Weissenstein (Weissenstein, 1395 m), along which a mass of marked hiking and cycling routes is laid. Even tourists who do not have enough experience of climbing can spend an amazing half a day there. There are buses to and from the Kurhaus Weissenstein located on the mountain every hour, thanks to which you can pass a grueling climb and enjoy magnificent views of Central Switzerland and the Alps in two counts.
It is worth to visit the castle of Waldegg (1530-1792 gg.), In which for tourists there is a nice museum with interiors of the 18th century and baroque gardens, as well as in the caves of Nidenloch. Finally, during a stroll along the Aare River, make sure to stop at the village of Altreu. It is famous for the largest colony of storks in Switzerland (about 200 individuals).
Holidays and Events
Solothurn hosts a number of important events and festivals throughout the year, but the most popular for many years remain Film days, which traditionally take place in January. Next to them, in February-March, the Chesslete is held - the carnival of Solothurn, during which the townspeople in white robes and with torches noisily escort the winter, burn the scarecrow, participate in balls-masquerades.
In April, , it is in this month that beer days pass in the city: about 20 local brewers invite everyone who wants to try a freshly brewed drink during the celebration of the Swiss beer culture . In May Solothurn takes two major events at once: the Bike Days, 15.00 . spectators, and Literary days - a forum of contemporary authors . Other popular events are Solothurn Classics open air opera concerts in July, a sports walking holiday on the first Sunday of September and the Art Supermarket art market in November-January . At this time in Solothurn you can see more than 5 thousand . works of young artists and recognized maestro .