In pictures: the Gotthard opening's best moments
The Local - [email protected]
Published: 2 Jun, 2016 CET.
Updated: Thu 2 Jun 2016 09:32 CET
After many decades of planning and 17 years of construction work the Gotthard Base Tunnel opened on Wednesday amid much pomp and ceremony.
European leaders including German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande were among those visiting Switzerland for the ceremony and the first journey through the tunnel.
The 12 million franc celebrations included an opening spectacle directed by German theatre director Volker Hesse involving 600 performers.
The day was captured for posterity by 300 members of the world's press.
See the best bits of the day's event in our gallery.
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European leaders including German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande were among those visiting Switzerland for the ceremony and the first journey through the tunnel.
The 12 million franc celebrations included an opening spectacle directed by German theatre director Volker Hesse involving 600 performers.
The day was captured for posterity by 300 members of the world's press.
See the best bits of the day's event in our gallery.
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