Appenzell — The Last Raised-Hand Vote

Your journey begins on Appenzell's Landsgemeindeplatz, this central square of approximately 3000 m² where, until April 25, 1998, the annual popular assembly by show of hands was held. This unique democratic gathering place in Switzerland since the Middle Ages saw 3916 voters out of 8711 electors participate in its last edition. It is here that the spirit of the historic Landsgemeinde, a pillar of Swiss cultural heritage, is embodied, surrounded by historic buildings that have been silent witnesses to crucial decisions for the destiny of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.

A few steps away, the Rathaus Appenzell, built in 1587 in a late Renaissance style, stands proudly. Its frescoes dating from the same year, restored in 1986, illustrate significant events in Appenzell's history. The seat of the communal council, this 25 m long building has housed archives since the 16th century. It is a key location for ceremonies related to the Landsgemeinde, where speeches and decisions were often prepared before being submitted to popular vote. As Ulrich Häberthür, you imagine the Landammänner of yesteryear, such as Philipp Jakob Steuer, who walked these halls.

Your route then takes you to the Museum Appenzell, founded in 1889 as the Landesmuseum and housed in a patrician house from 1560. Its 4 floors and 1000 m² of exhibition space contain a collection of 20,000 objects on local crafts, costumes, and the political history of Appenzell. The permanent exhibitions dedicated to the Landsgemeinde and Alpine culture offer you an in-depth insight into this tradition. This site allows you to contextualize the political and social life that animated the traditional Appenzell village and culminated in the votes on the Landsgemeindeplatz.

Continuing your exploration, you cross the Hauptgasse, Appenzell's main pedestrian street, about 500 m long. It is lined with arcaded houses dating from the 17th-18th centuries, whose typical Appenzell architecture is characterized by painted facades adorned with traditional floral motifs. This artery connects the Landsgemeindeplatz to the town center and was, for centuries, the site of the weekly market and festivities, a true beating heart of local life that still resonates with the hustle and bustle of Landsgemeinde days, when citizens converged on the assembly.

Finally, the Regierungsgebäude Appenzell, built in 1847 in a 3-story neoclassical style, faces the Landsgemeindeplatz. This seat of government for the half-canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, restored in 1995, served as the setting for official speeches during popular assemblies until 1998. As Ulrich Häberthür, you stand before this building and feel the weight of history and direct democracy. This thematic circuit in Appenzell will have offered you an interactive visit and a deep immersion in the history of Appenzell, from its Appenzell monuments to its unique Appenzell heritage, leaving you with an intimate understanding of the last show of hands vote and the soul of this Swiss town.