Welcome from the Grand Master

Dear Visitor

Whatever the reason which led you to consult this site, I wish you a warm welcome to your virtual visit to the Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland (GLAS).
When clicking on the word ‘Freemasonry’ on the Internet you will notice that in Switzerland (as elsewhere in the world) there are many Masonic or para-Masonic bodies. The GLAS is the only regular Masonic organisation in our country, and is officially recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England. It brings together and represents more than 3,500 members throughout the country, meeting in lodges in all the linguistic regions of Switzerland. There are also lodges which meet in English.

Our fraternal organisation was founded in 1844, and is a recognised association governed by Art. 60 of the Swiss Civil Code.

Under the link ‘Freemasonry’ on this site you can find out what distinguishes Freemasonry from other organizations and what makes it special…
Freemasonry is an initiatory journey inspired by the traditions and rules of the medieval builders of cathedrals (stone masons’ guilds). It is a place of social interaction and an oasis of reflection. It aims to develop the free spirit of its members, based on the values of brotherhood, democracy and progress. By promoting tolerance, it affirms freedom of conscience and the equality of rights.

Freemasonry does not exclude anyone on account of their religious beliefs, or social or political opinions, and does not allow these topics to be discussed at its meetings. It is open to any interested man who is desirous, by work on himself, to develop a sense of personal responsibility, the spirit of fraternity and tolerance in order to help make the society around him more human and more fair.

In a world dominated by personal interests and fragmented by globalization, the personal development and the fraternal journey proposed by Freemasonry is increasingly topical and relevant, since it leads to a more tolerant society, characterised by humanism and universality.

I wish you, dear visitor, an enriching visit to our website. If it arouses your interest in going a little further in your research on Freemasonry, we will be happy to provide you with all the information you need. Feel free to contact any of our lodges in your area via the links on this website.
Thank you for your interest in our fraternal organisation, and best regards.

Carlo U. Nicola
Grand Master