Tuesday, June 23, 2015
While the key driver behind visiting Appenzel was the church and hostel clinging to a granite mountain side, there were other attractions in the city. Appenzel is the capital of the canton Appenzel and is one of the early territories to join the Swiss confederation in 1411. It is known for its cheese, for its exercise of pure democracy, and for being the last canton to grant women the right to vote in 1996. It is an unusual canton in that it is completely surrounded by another canton – St. Gallen. This ‘hole’ in the ‘donut’ of St. Gallen has a strong religious theme. The Reformation of 1531 created a schism that resulting in Catholic and Protestant sections.
Quaint streets of Old Town Appenzell
Family owned home for many generations – beautifully decorated
Pharmacy with key herbs and ingredients displayed.
The old town is small and restricted to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It emits a charm and a detached quietness from the craziness of the world. Many of the homes, inns, and businesses have been family owned for multiple generations. Our hotel overlooks the Landsgemeindeplatz which is the plaza where the citizens come together on the last Saturday in April to vote by a show of hands. This democratic tradition is wrapped in a day of traditional dress and festivities. It begins with a mass at their central church, followed by a procession of citizens in traditional dress. These traditional outfits are handcrafted with subtle symbolism that identify the owner’s family, their position in the family, their profession, their role in the profession, and their stature or role in the community.
Bridge across the Sitter River.
Sitter River through town.
One of the main plazas.
The towns Cathedral.
Many items are handmade using techniques handed down from one generation to the next – cow bells, metal buckles, wood and leather goods. The Swiss ambassador in Washington reportedly had ordered a handmade leather dog collar as a gift to Obama for his dog. Just in case you wanted to know.
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