Culture of Switzerland Culture of Switzerland Switzerland lies at the crossroads of several major European cultures. Three of the continent's major languages, German, French and Italian, are national languages of Switzerland, along with Romansh, spoken by a small minority. Therefore, Swiss culture is characterized by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs. The 26 cantons also account for the large cultural diversity. Not withstanding the regional disparities, the Alps have played an essential role in shaping the history and culture of Switzerland. The region of the Gotthard Pass became the nucleus of the Swiss Confederacy in the early 14th
Flags and arms of cantons of Switzerland church. Losing the banner to an enemy force was a great shame and invited mockery from other cantons. Pope Julius II in recognition of the support he received from Swiss mercenaries against France in 1512 granted the Swiss the title of "Ecclesiasticae libertatis defensores" and gave them two large banners, besides a blessed sword and hat. Papal legate Matthias Schiner in addition gave to the Swiss cantons and their associates a total of 42 costly silk banners with augmentations, the so-called "Juliusbanner". Some of these banners survive, of the cantonal ones notably those of Zürich and Solothurn. The fashion of