![Weltpost Denkmal (Universal Postal Monument), Bern](/img/gd_attr/29911.jpg)
Weltpost Denkmal (Universal Postal Monument), Bern
The Universal Postal Monument (Weltpost Denkmal) is a significant cultural and historical landmark located on the Kleine Schanze in Bern. It commemorates Bern as the founding city and headquarters of the Universal Postal Union, which has been in operation since 1874.
The monument features a bronze sculpture titled "Autour du monde" ("Around the World"), crafted by French sculptor René de Saint-Marceaux (1845–1915). Saint-Marceaux won an international competition in 1903 to create this sculpture, and the monument was inaugurated on October 4, 1909, after a substantial expenditure of approximately 200,000 Swiss francs.
Situated behind a large fountain basin, the sculpture is set on an artificial rock formation. A spring emerges at the base of this formation, leading up to a cloud pillar at the peak, symbolizing the majestic Bernese Alps. The cloud appears as if trying to ascend into space and supports a globe surrounded by five female figures representing the continents. These figures are depicted passing letters to one another, a motif that illustrates the global connectivity facilitated by the postal service.
Adjacent to the main sculpture is a granite base where a statue of Berna, personifying the city of Bern, is seated. Berna's right-hand rests on the city’s coat of arms, adding a local emblematic touch to the international theme of the monument.
This motif of the globe and the five continents exchanging letters was later adopted as the symbol of the Universal Postal Union in 1967 and has been featured on over 800 stamps worldwide as of 2009. It also appears on International Response Slips (IAS).
The monument features a bronze sculpture titled "Autour du monde" ("Around the World"), crafted by French sculptor René de Saint-Marceaux (1845–1915). Saint-Marceaux won an international competition in 1903 to create this sculpture, and the monument was inaugurated on October 4, 1909, after a substantial expenditure of approximately 200,000 Swiss francs.
Situated behind a large fountain basin, the sculpture is set on an artificial rock formation. A spring emerges at the base of this formation, leading up to a cloud pillar at the peak, symbolizing the majestic Bernese Alps. The cloud appears as if trying to ascend into space and supports a globe surrounded by five female figures representing the continents. These figures are depicted passing letters to one another, a motif that illustrates the global connectivity facilitated by the postal service.
Adjacent to the main sculpture is a granite base where a statue of Berna, personifying the city of Bern, is seated. Berna's right-hand rests on the city’s coat of arms, adding a local emblematic touch to the international theme of the monument.
This motif of the globe and the five continents exchanging letters was later adopted as the symbol of the Universal Postal Union in 1967 and has been featured on over 800 stamps worldwide as of 2009. It also appears on International Response Slips (IAS).
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Weltpost Denkmal (Universal Postal Monument) on Map
Sight Name: Weltpost Denkmal (Universal Postal Monument)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches
They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Swiss Sweets and Pastries
Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...