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
Light festival Morat/Murten
The light festival of Morat/Murten will take place from 15 to 26 January. In 24 locations, the city centre has turned into a fairytale world of light. Various artists are giving performances, and a multimedia light show, an opera and various other activities are transforming the inner city into a theatre performance. This year, however, … Read more » “Light festival Morat/Murten”
Commemorations
Europe’s best newspaper 240 years
On January 12, 1780, the first copy of the Zürcher Zeitung was published. Since then it has appeared without interruption. That makes it one of the oldest newspapers in Europe. And one of the best. At the time of publication, it was one of the many periodicals. The printing press, pamphlets, books and newspapers flourished in … Read more » “Europe’s best newspaper 240 years”
Monuments
The Basilisk of Basel
Basel is not only a city with hundreds of water wells and fountains, it is also a city of the Basilisk. The Basilisk is a mythological creature from ancient Greece, half cock, half snake. This creature could kill with its gaze and whoever followed in its footsteps scorched. The only protection was to hold up … Read more » “The Basilisk of Basel”
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
Musical Treasures from Basel
19 January 2020
For citizens of Basel, the Renaissance was also a period of music. Music was (and is) an essential part of cultural life. They sang Parisian chansons, played Polish lute songs or collected musical instruments. The exhibition shows musical objects and manuscripts from the musical experience in this city of humanists, publishers and scholars. The exhibition … Read more » “Musical Treasures from Basel”
Latest news
Swiss Diplomacy
17 January 2020
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is best known for its annual meetings in Davos since 1971. Business, political leaders, government en NGO’s make their way to the Alps to consider and to discuss the major global issues and to brainstorm on solutions to address these challenges. The Forum is also an institute for diplomacy, however, … Read more » “Swiss Diplomacy”
Nature
The Wolf is Back
15 January 2020
The wolf is at the centre of the exhibition at the National Park Centre (National Parkzentrum) in Zernez. The return of the wolf in European countries is the subject of discussion in the media, public and professional groups. It is about the relationship between town and country, ecology, safety, nature and culture. No animal, apart … Read more » “The Wolf is Back”