Universal Postal Union Monument on the Kleine Schanze

In 1874 the Universal Postal Union (UPU), in German Weltpostverein, was founded in Bern. It is where the postal administrations of the world work together, and its headquarters are still in Bern today. For its 25th anniversary, delegates met in Bern for a congress in 1900. There it was decided to build a monument.

A competition with 120 designs

In 1902 the Swiss Federal Council launched an international competition, and by 1903 it had received 120 designs. Because none was fully convincing, a second round followed with six artists. In 1904 the Frenchman René de Saint-Marceaux won with the design "Autour du monde", around the world. The monument was inaugurated on 4 October 1909.

What you can see

Behind a wide pool rises an artificial rock. On it, a column of clouds climbs upward and carries a globe. Five women float around the globe. They stand for the five continents and pass letters on to one another. Further down sits Berna, the figure of the city of Bern, resting her right hand on Bern's coat of arms.

From monument to emblem

The image of the five women with the letters around the globe later became the emblem of the Universal Postal Union. In 1967 it was added to its flag. It can also be seen on stamps from all over the world.

Good to know

The monument stands in the Kleine Schanze park, a few minutes' walk from the station and the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus). In 1909 the heavy work of bronze and granite came to Bern from the studio near Paris in 60 railway wagons. Some models from the competition are kept today by the Museum für Kommunikation in Bern.