The story of this place
When Switzerland became a modern federal state in 1848, Bern was chosen as the seat of government, and the domed Bundeshaus was completed in 1902 to house the Federal Assembly and Federal Council. From this building Switzerland steered its policy of armed neutrality through two world wars, becoming a haven for refugees, diplomats and the Red Cross while remaining unoccupied. Its dome bears the cantonal coats of arms and the motto 'Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno'—'One for all, all for one.' The square before it hosts a famous 26-fountain water display and weekly markets.