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
Roman Museum Augusta Raurica
From 27 June to 16 August 2020, the Foundation and the Roman Museum Augusta Raurica (Augst, Canton of Basellandschaft) offer a varied summer programme for visitors. There are different offers, workshops and guided tours every day. Roman artisans show their skills. The offerings include making boats, painting, sculpting clay, designing mosaics, developing incense blends and … Read more » “Roman Museum Augusta Raurica”
Commemorations
Abbey Church of Payerne
After years of restoration, the abbey church of Payerne has been restored to its former glory. The church is one of the most important Romanesque buildings and monuments in Switzerland. Payerne also has a history dating back to the Romans and the coronations of the kings of the Burgundian Empire (888-1032). The main structure of … Read more » “Abbey Church of Payerne”
Monuments
Chapels in Switzerland
From the arrival of the first bishop in present-day Switzerland, in 381 in Martigny, followed by Geneva around 400, Chur around 450 and in Avenches/Lausanne in the sixth century, the first churches appeared. These were simple wooden buildings. In the following centuries, the number increases rapidly. The first abbey in 516 in Martigny, the Carolingian … Read more » “Chapels in Switzerland”
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
Modern Living 1945-1975
11 July 2020
Especially in the decades after the Second World War, the dream of a home of one’s own came true for many. The majority of private homes at that time were simple and standard, but there are examples that bear witness to the high demands of architectural design. The architects were often given a free hand. … Read more » “Modern Living 1945-1975”
Latest news
Campione Exit
3 July 2020
Since 1 January 2020, a kind of Brexit has occurred at Lake Lugano. As of this date, the Italian town of Campione, an enclave in the canton of Tessin, is no longer part of the Swiss toll union, but of the Italian/EU toll union. Also, Swiss license plates, postal code (6911) and postal services have … Read more » “Campione Exit”
Nature
The Kannenfeldpark in Basel
26 June 2020
Amadeus Merian (1808-1889) redesigned the then-largest cemetery in Basel between 1867 and 1868 in the style of an English park. The Kannenfeld has been a cemetery from 1855 onwards. With the opening of the central cemetery Hörnli on the right bank of the Rhine in 1932, the cemetery on the Kannenfeld lost its function and … Read more » “The Kannenfeldpark in Basel”