The Swiss Spectator focuses on the history and culture of Switzerland, a remarkable country with a robust business environment, a relatively well-functioning (direct) democracy and respect for the rule of law.

It features an overview of the country’s museums and exhibitions, cultural events, monuments, rich cultural heritage, commemorations and magnificent nature. The relationship between Switzerland and the European Union is also covered.

The country’s surrounding regions have always played a crucial role in Swiss history and culture: Northern Italy (Valley of Aoste, Lombardy and Vinschgau (Venosta), Eastern France (Franche-Comté, Alsace, Haute-Savoie and Savoie), Southern Germany (Lake Constance region) and Austria (Vorarlberg).

Four periods and subjects are covered: the Roman Empire and the process of romanisation, the Middle Ages (from the Kingdoms of Burgundy to the sixteenth century), the long nineteenth century (1815-1918), and Switzerland’s multicultural, multilinguistic and cosmopolitan aspects.

Events

8. Triennale Bad Ragaz

One of the world’s largest outdoor exhibitions is taking place in Bad Ragaz and the village of Valens in the Tamina valley (canton of St. Gallen). More than 400 sculptures by 83 artists from 16 countries are on display. The festival takes place every three years. The festival of small sculptures is in display at … Read more » “8. Triennale Bad Ragaz”

Commemorations

Bernina Express and UNESCO

Road Traffic between Engadin (Canton of Graubünden) and Tirano in the Valtellina (Veltin, Italy) has a long tradition. For centuries, horses, stagecoaches and sledges were the means of transport used to cross the Bernina Pass. The travelling time was at least nine hours in the summer. It was almost impossible and anyway dangerous to cross … Read more » “Bernina Express and UNESCO”

Monuments

St. Johann and Johanneum

The first document mentioning the monastery of St. Johann (canton of St. Gallen) dates back to 1152 when Pope Eugene III (pope from 1145 to 1153) took the monastery under his protection. One of the reasons for the foundation was the geographically favourable location between the monasteries of Pfäfers, Einsiedeln and St. Gallen. It was … Read more » “St. Johann and Johanneum”

Multicultural and Cosmopolitan Switzerland

News Newsletters

The origin of the French, German, Italian and Romansh languages and cultures will be addressed. The Roman Empire and the Middle Ages are the crucial periods. The contributions also pay attention to the multicultural, multilingual and cosmopolitan society.

Agenda

Building a City Part I

27 July 2021

Aldo Mozzini is building a city into the Haus für Kunst in Uri. His city, like every city, will be in flux, it will be built and rebuilt.. The construction of the city takes place in two stages. The first city will be built in part I, in the intermediate phase a major structural change … Read more » “Building a City Part I”

Agenda »

Constitution and Democracy

Nidwalden in the twentieth Century

27 July 2021

The canton of Nidwalden repeatedly chose its own way to remain independent. In 1798, Nidwalden rejected the Helvetic Republic (1798-1803) imposed by the French occupiers. The canton even waged war against Napoleon. The battle of 9 September 1798 claimed more than 400 Nidwalder lives and caused long-term trauma. In 1815, troops of the Swiss Confederation … Read more » “Nidwalden in the twentieth Century”

Latest news

Laser Lightning Rod

29 July 2021

In its capacity as national weather and climate service, MeteoSchweiz carries out weather and climate measurements at any time on the entire Swiss territory. The complex topography of the Alps represents a major challenge. The Säntis also has a station (SwissMetNet). Switzerland’s complex alpine topography presents a particular challenge. A new project on the Säntis … Read more » “Laser Lightning Rod”

Nature and Tourism

Hotel & Berghaus Val Sinestra

31 July 2021

It is impossible to imagine the Engadine without spas. However, the spa hotel (Kurhaus) in Val Sinestra is a story of its own. Val Sinestra is located in a valley in the Unterengadin, east of the municipality of Sent (Canton of Graubünden). The mineral springs that arise in Val Sinestra were the reason for constructing … Read more » “Hotel & Berghaus Val Sinestra”