On 1 June 2024, the Sasso San Gottardo Museum kicked off its thirteenth summer season with an extraordinary event in the legendary Gotthard fortress. For the first time ever, the main gallery of the fortress resounded with the melodies of Flüelen's Jodlerklub Seerose, marking a milestone in the history of the museum and yodeling.
The event attracted a large number of participants from German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, who had the opportunity to visit the fortress and enjoy a delicious risotto dinner. The President of the Sasso San Gottardo Foundation, Dr. Fritz Gantert, expressed great satisfaction with the start of the new season, declaring: «I am convinced that also for this season the Sasso San Gottardo will offer an interesting program to our guests, with ideas that they range from Goethe to General Guisan in equal measure."
A summer full of events at Sasso San Gottardo
The 2024 summer season, which will last until October 13, promises a calendar full of unique and engaging events.
Mission Asclepios IV
In July, Sasso San Gottardo will once again host the simulation of the “Asclepios” lunar base. Young scientists and space specialists from the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and other partner universities from around the world will simulate a stay on a lunar base inside the fortress. During the simulation, the museum auditorium will serve as a control center, accessible to visitors. Several media and film crews have already announced their presence to document this extraordinary event.
Inauguration of the memorial dedicated to Guisan in the presence of the army chief
Another very important event will be the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of General Henri Guisan. On Saturday 31 August, a contemporary monument in honor of him will be inaugurated at the entrance to Sasso San Gottardo. The ceremony will see the participation of the President of the Sasso San Gottardo Foundation, the Ticino State Councilor Norman Gobbi and the Chief of the Army, Corps Commander Thomas Süssli. Additionally, actor Jean Wininger will play General Guisan, making the event even more memorable. Over the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy numerous attractions, including visits to bunkers, a historic camp oven and horse shows from the Ticino Train Company.
Hall of Silence in the Crystal Cave
Deep in the Gotthard lies the Crystal Cave, a natural wonder that houses splendid mineral finds and crystals from the region. These finds, some dating back to the 19th century, were discovered during the construction of the Gotthard railway and road tunnels. The centerpiece of the cave is a gigantic needle-like quartz crystal from the Bedretto Valley, weighing almost a ton. The solemn atmosphere of the cave is enriched by the presence of the silence room, a unique place where visitors can relax and admire the crystals in complete silence.
This summer season promises to be one of the most fascinating and eventful in the history of Sasso San Gottardo. Don't miss the opportunity to live unique experiences in one of the most evocative places in Switzerland.
For further information and the complete programme of events, visit www.sasso-sangottardo.ch.
