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
Calanca Biennale 2021
The concept of Calanca Biennale 2021 aims to present the valley through contemporary art. At the same time, Calanca Biennale raises an ecological message. The Biennale consists of two parts. Around 220 artists from all over the world present graphic illustrations of “the crocodile” in an international contest. The contemporary artwork shows the Valley by … Read more » “Calanca Biennale 2021”
Commemorations
Accademia di Architettura 25 years
The Accademia di Architettura, the Academy of Architecture, was founded in 1996 in Mendrisio, Canton of Ticino. One of its founders was the architect Mario Botta (born 1947). The starting point was to create an interdisciplinary centre of expertise with architecture at its core. The Academy accommodates various disciplines, such as biology, philosophy, genetics and … Read more » “Accademia di Architettura 25 years”
Monuments
Engelberg Abbey
The Benedictine abbey of Engelberg is located in a mountain valley at the foot of the Titlis (canton of Obwalden). The monastery was supported (financially) by the nobleman Konrad von Sellenbüren and founded in 1120 by monks from Muri under Abbot Adelhelm. The village of Engelberg then came into being and prospered. In the middle … Read more » “Engelberg Abbey”
Multicultural and Cosmopolitan Switzerland
News NewslettersThe 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”
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
Nadezhda Suslova in Zurich
26 July 2021
Nadezhda Suslova (1843-1918) was the first woman to be allowed to study at university in Switzerland. She was born in Russia. She decided in 1866 to go to Switzerland to study. She studied in Zurich, because at that time it was the most liberal city in Europe. After studying medicine, she married an ophthalmologist. They … Read more » “Nadezhda Suslova in Zurich”
Nature and Tourism
Pfyn-Finges Regional Park
12 July 2021
Twelve municipalities in the region between Sierre and Gampel (canton of Valais) form the Pfyn-Finges Regional Park. The Rhone streams through the valley and the park, but the region is still exceptional dry. Avalanches, landslides, fires and dryness created a special landscape. The flora and fauna (pines, Mediterranean (small) mammals, birds and insects) also point … Read more » “Pfyn-Finges Regional Park”