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
A Forgotten Revolutionary
Switzerland has been a refuge for political refugees for centuries. Even today, this small country welcomes many refugees. After the Napoleonic Wars, it was no different. The Ancien Régime, also in Switzerland, wanted to restore the situation from before the French Revolution (1789). However, it was no longer possible to turn back to the old … Read more » “A Forgotten Revolutionary”
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 not publish new items during the closure of public buildings, museums and cancellation of events due to the Corana crisis.
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
Crown Witnesses of Switzerland
10 March 2020
Myth, legend, historical fact or a combination, William Tell (Wilhelm Tell) and the year 1291 are closely linked to the origins of present-day Switzerland, like Rome cherishes Romulus and Remus and Greece worships the goddess Athens as the founders of the cities. The mountains the Grosse and the Kleine Mythen, however, are hard granite facts. … Read more » “Crown Witnesses of Switzerland”