GERLAFINGEN – THE STEELWORKS DISTRICT

Guided tour as part of European Heritage Days 2025
Meeting point: Restaurant Eisenhammer, Bahnhofstrasse 1, 4563 Gerlafingen
13.09.25 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event language: German.
Registration: Not required, but helpful for organizational purposes at https://sgti.ch/site/jahresprogramm/

Cette This event will give you a fascinating insight into the architectural and social history of the municipality of Gerlafingen. From 1818 to the present day, the former Von Roll Stahl company, now Stahl Gerlafingen AG, has left its mark on the industrial and working-class neighborhoods as well as the social institutions of the municipality. Von Roll AG, the founder of the steelworks and rolling mill, built entire neighborhoods for its employees. Even today, the social conditions are clearly visible in the buildings and names. The factory also built public buildings for its employees, including a school, a hotel, a grocery store, restaurants, and public baths.

After a welcome by the mayor, Philipp Heri, at the Eisenhammer restaurant, the MEMORIAV association, which is committed to preserving Switzerland’s audiovisual heritage, will present weekly newsreels, film excerpts, and photos on the history of the steelworks. Afterwards, Dieter Schnell, Hanna Gervasi, and Martin Eggenberger will guide you through the workers’ quarters on a 1.5-hour tour. Back at the Eisenhammer restaurant, there will be a panel discussion with guests such as former State Councilor Roberto Zanetti, Mayor Philipp Heri, André Kienzle, author of the book “Es gibt nur ein Gerlafingen! ,” and local residents. The municipality of Gerlafingen will provide an aperitif in the Eisenhammer restaurant for a convivial end to the evening.