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. There is an overview of museums and exhibitions, cultural events, monuments, the rich cultural heritage, commemorations and the beautiful nature. The relationship between Switzerland and the European Union is also covered. The 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 being 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 multicultural, multilinguistic and cosmopolitan Switzerland.
Events & Projects
Makerspace Médiathèque Valais
The first Makerspace of the Médiathèque Valais opened its doors on Monday 2 March in Sion. A Makerspace is a place where people come together to share digital resources and knowledge, collaborate on projects and above all to create, invent, craft, explore and discover using a variety of digital tools and materials. Makerspace in Sion … Read more » “Makerspace Médiathèque Valais”
Commemorations
Palace in the Air
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first flight between St. Moritz (Canton Grisons) and London. One of the initiators in 1920 was Hans Badrutt (1876-1953), owner of the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. The St. Moritz lake (St. Moritzersee) right in front of the hotel was also the location of the first … Read more » “Palace in the Air”
Monuments
The Romanesque Church St. Sulpice
The Romanesque church, built by the Abbey of Cluny in the 11th and 12th centuries, was initially dedicated to Saint Sulpice and gave its name to the village. The church became Protestant after the occupation of Vaud (le Pays de Vaud) by Bern in 1536 and became the property of the town of Lausanne. The … Read more » “The Romanesque Church St. Sulpice”
Multicultural and Cosmopolitan Switzerland
News NewslettersThe development of German-, Italian-, French- and Romansh-speaking cantons will be discussed. The Roman Empire and the Middle Ages are the crucial periods. The present-day multicultural, democratic and cosmopolitan society will also be addressed.
Agenda
Annoucement
1 April 2020
The Swiss Spectator will reopen and publish new items on the first of june.
Latest news
No mountain too high
11 March 2020
Swiss people may not be able to move mountains, but they can build the largest (railway) road network and the longest tunnels in the mountains. The Gotthard base tunnel is a recent example (although Germany and Italy did not fulfil their (contractual) obligations). Less well known, however, are other noteworthy projects that are starting at … Read more » “No mountain too high”
Nature
Independence Park Morges
4 May 2020
The Independence Park (Parc de l’Indépendance) in Morges (canton of Vaud) owes its name to the independence obtained by Vaud (Le Pays de Vaud) on 24 January 1798, after the long domination of Bern (since 1536). At the Place de la Palud in Lausanne, citizens proclaimed the République lémanique on this date. This republic disappeared … Read more » “Independence Park Morges”