Erlacherhof, Bern

The Erlacherhof, which was constructed between the years 1745 and 1752, is the residential residence of the mayor of Bern and the most significant private structure in the city.

The “Hôtel entre cour et jardin” concept, which describes a city palace that is situated between a courtyard and a garden, is incorporated into the late baroque building plan of the Erlacherhof. Albrecht Sturler, the architect, decided against constructing a building that would face the street in favor of constructing a splendid courtyard of honor.

Hieronymus von Erlach, the builder, was a stunning character in the city of Bern in its earlier days. Who else could have had the financial means to take such a bold step of breaking with the fundamental urban shape of the Zuringer city?

In the latter part of the 18th century, the von Erlach family decided to sell the palace. It was initially used as the headquarters of the Napoleonic troops that invaded Bern, and then it was converted into a schoolhouse for the Matte neighborhood, and finally it became the site of the French embassy.

During the years 1848 to 1857, the Erlacherhof was not only the temporary location of the first federal building, but it also functioned as the location of the federal administration. In the year 1857, the Erlacherhof was once again the location of the municipal administration.

At the present day, the palace serves as the location for the weekly meetings of the executive council of the city of Bern, as well as the seat of the mayor, the presidential administration, and the city chancellery.