I'm eight blocks from Solothurn's old town. This is the front of Blumenstein Castle. Built 1725-1728 for Governor Franz Heinrich von Staeffis-Mollondin as a summer residence it was originally situated in the midst of a terraced 49-acre site. In 1952 Solothurn bought the place and since it has been the site of the Historical Museum of Solothurn.
Blumenstein Castle occupies a prime site. When the woman at the front counter says it was built as a summer residence I laugh and say, "it's only eight blocks from the old town". She explains that back in the 1700's the old town had raw sewage in the streets, it was smelly, hot, people lived packed together and this summer residence was indeed an escape from all that.
The Aare River flows past Solothurn.
Another beautiful fountain.
A close-up shows the amazing detail.
Another view of the fountain.
Signs showing directions for cyclists AND for roller blades. You wanna roller blade to Biel/Bienne? You have 20 miles ahead of you.
About a half-block down from Solothurn's Cathedral stands the Church of the Jesuits. Built between 1680-1689 it's regarded as one of Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque buildings. This is its interior.
Another fountain. I believe this is blind justice.
Blind justice has some real characters underneath her.
View of Aare River with a slew of eating places on the left side.
Another view of Aare River with a still standing medieval tower.
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