27 September 2022
Napoleon created the Batavian Republic (1795-1801) after the occupation of the Republic of the United Provinces in 1795. The new Republic was based on the French revolutionary ideals, centralism and the plunder of the rich Dutch funds. This Republic unified the seven sovereign provinces and created a new administrative division. However, it was too ambitious. … Read more » “The Helvetic Republic and the Batavian Republic”
23 September 2022
The Premonstratensian abbey of Bellelay (Commune of Saicourt, canton of Bern) is known for its water system and ponds. The Prince-Bishop of Basel, Ortlieb von Frohburg (unknown-1164) founded the abbey around 1140. French troops destroyed the monastery in 1797. It was rebuilt and has been in use as a hospital ever since. Nomen est omen, … Read more » “Bellelay and the Tête de Moine”
14 September 2022
The Vatican’s Swiss Guard (Pontificia Cohors Helvetica) expands from 110 to 135 men. Therefore the small army is looking for new recruits: these must be Catholic, male, unmarried and of Swiss nationality. Pratteln, Galerie Beyeler, exhibition ´Schweizer Garde´, 2019. Photo: TES. The Guard was founded in 1506. It is the only foreign military organization Swiss … Read more » “The Pontifical Swiss Guard”
