The Gotthard Pass is one of the most important Alpine crossings on the north-south line. In 2016, the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA), the longest rail tunnel in the world, will be inaugurated at the Gotthard. But it is not just the NRLA that springs to mind when the name Gotthard is mentioned, there is much more to this mountain. It is history, it is a myth, it is the European moated castle, it is a climatic divide, as a fortress it is a symbol of the Swiss will to defend themselves and their independence, it is the shortest transalpine route.It is the shortest Alpine crossing between northern and southern Europe, but also one of the most annoying bottlenecks for vacation traffic in the country and a protected cultural asset.
All these attributes and the topicality of the subject have prompted the Pantheon Basel to dedicate a special exhibition to this passport in summer 2016.
From the point of view of classic car enthusiasts, the Gotthard Rally will be held for the first time this year.
So for once, the special exhibition at the Pantheon Basel will not be about a car brand, a car race or a specific era of individual mobility. The focus is on a mountain and its history.
From the mule drivers to the pass riders
This story begins with the mule drivers, the messengers and pilgrims and the legendary construction of the Devil's Bridge in the Schöllenen.
The legendary Gotthard Post is just as much a theme as the Gotthard railroad line, also a legend waiting to become a World Heritage Site.
Of course, the New Rail Link through the Alps is also depicted.
The roads, the old, the new and those not yet built, and the vehicles that have driven over the top of the pass since 1895 - and down through it since 1980 - are the pièces de résistance of the presentation.
Around forty exhibits - veteran automobiles, bicycles and motorcycles - are displayed in front of historical images, as well as a large number of models and reminiscences from the history of the Gotthard.
Once again, private lenders have kindly made the event possible. The Lucerne Museum of Transport is also supporting the exhibition with its expertise and exhibits.
The exhibition is open to visitors from April 17, 2016 until October 16, 2016. The Pantheon Basel is located at Hofackerstrasse 72 in Muttenz. The entrance fee is CHF 10.
Further information can be found on the Pantheon website.
