Aarau, Switzerland

Postmarked Aarau, dated 12 September 2008.

The town of Aarau is situated on the Aare river. It was for a short time the capital of Switzerland and home to the first Swiss Houses of Parliament. It is well known for the painted gables, called Dachhimmel, on the buildings (bottom left). The Upper Gate Tower (bottom right) and one or two other buildings are all that remain relatively unchanged from the medieval period. During the 16th century most were replaced or expanded.