On September 6th, the imposing Sasso San Gottardo fortress will host an event of great strategic importance: a forum dedicated to the "new world disorder". The initiative, promoted by Sasso San Gottardo Foundation, aims to uphold the intellectual and moral legacy of General Henri Guisan, a historic figure who symbolizes Switzerland's ability to address crises with foresight and determination. The event will be held as part of the annual celebration dedicated to Guisan, which last fall saw the inauguration of the memorial dedicated to him at the entrance to the fortress.
A look at the past to understand the present
Il Dr. Fritz Gantert, President of the Sasso San Gottardo Foundation, emphasizes the importance of the location: "We believe the Gotthard Pass is an excellent place to reflect on security issues, because a look into the past provides inspiration for the crisis management strategies of today and tomorrow." The foundation, which manages the museum inside the fortress, also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to General Guisan, providing an ideal historical context for the debate. The aim is to stimulate profound reflection on Switzerland's role and the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world order.
Experts and dialogue with the public
The forum will begin at 10:30 a.m., following a theatrical welcome by "General Guisan," played by actor Jean Winiger. In the auditorium, the discussion will focus on the national security issues facing Switzerland in the context of the new global turmoil. Moderated by Stefan Campi, Secretary General of the Canton of Aargau's Department of Health and Social Affairs, the event will feature high-profile experts.
Speakers include Brigadier General Niels Blatter, Brigadier General Stefano Laffranchini, and Jakob Signer, Standard Bearer of Appenzell Innerrhoden. After each short presentation, the audience will be invited to actively participate in the discussion, making the forum a dynamic platform for discussion and exchange of ideas. Participation in the event costs CHF 25 per person, which includes an aperitif and a guided tour of the legendary fortress. Due to limited capacity, reservations are recommended by emailing info@sasso-sangottardo.ch.
Beyond the Debate: Attractions and History
In addition to the forum, the "Guisan Event 2025" will offer visitors other experiences. Although the horseback excursion is already fully booked, it will be possible to explore the fortress and its external defenses thanks to military vehicle transport. There will also be field kitchen displays, demonstrations of military medical services, and displays of historic vehicles. All this will be accompanied by military music and special guided tours of the Guisan exhibition.
These activities do not require reservations, just the purchase of a museum entrance ticket. The Sasso San Gottardo Museum is located at the top of the Gotthard Pass, inside a former secret military installation. Its galleries host exhibitions on crystals and Goethe's travels, and the fortress can be explored using the "Metro del Sasso."
