Certain numbers are inextricably linked with certain cities, becoming almost magical for the locals. Such is the case with the Swiss city of Solothurn and the number 11. Solothurn, capital of the canton of the same name, is Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city, with a historic centre dating back to the 16th century. Bisected by the River Aare, the former seat of the French embassy in Switzerland (from 1530 to 1792) is best known today for two festivals: the Solothurn Film Days (in January) and the Solothurn Literature Days (in May). The history of the city of Solothurn, already known in Roman times, is strangely and closely linked to the number 11. Solothurn residents of all generations – the city’s population is just under 20,000 – like to refer to 11 as a magic or even sacred number. This unique relationship has deep – and slightly hazy – roots. No one in Solothurn can tell you why the number 11 is so important. Yet the number is still used and celebrated. So much so that ...
