This section contains an overview of the most relevant monuments in Switzerland.
13 January 2021
The Lake Constance region bears witness to the significant role of monasteries in shaping religious and cultural life. The area, including present-day Switzerland and the bishopric of Constance, was a cultural unity in the Middle Ages. Most monasteries were founded between the 8th and 13th centuries. Agricultural activity on the island of Reichenau continues to … Read more » “Island of Monasteries Reichenau”
7 January 2021
Available in German and Dutch.
4 January 2021
The year of recognition by UNESCO is mentioned in brackets. Bellinzona’s medieval castles, Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro (2000). The medieval city-centre of Bern (1983). La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle and their town planning (2009). Lavaux landscape of wine-producing villages. (2007). Monte San Giorgio’s rocks and fossils (2010). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region (2007). The … Read more » “Swiss World Heritage”
17 December 2020
The moated palace (Weiherschloss) in Bottmingen (Canton of Basel-Landschaft) was built in the second half of the 13th century. Weiher means Water (Wasser) in the local German dialect. The Palatine nobleman Johann von der Grün (1603-1666) renovated the palace in 1645 in the style of early German Baroque. In 1720, the new owner, Johannes Deucher (1673-1747), … Read more » “Bottmingen Castle”
30 November 2020
The Foundation (Stiftung Ferien im Baudenkmal) rents out 42 monumental houses. They are monuments with the comforts of the 21st century. The oldest building, Haus Tannen in Morschach (canton Schwyz), was built in 1341. The foundation currently rents out 42 houses. (Source and further information: Stiftung Ferien im Baudenkmal)
23 November 2020
The Sri Chinmoy peace blossoms are at the three-country point or corner (das Dreiländereck) in Basel, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. It is one of the five hundred Sri Chinmoy places worldwide. The source of inspiration for this monument was Albert Einstein (1879-1955), who lived for many years in Bern (1902-1909). He wrote his … Read more » “The Three-country Corner Basel”
5 November 2020
The Valley of the Brévine was already inhabited in the 14th century. The Count of Neuchâtel called the settlement ‘Calvum de Escobon’ in 1310. The name transformed to La Chaux d’Ecoublon, La Tschaux du Meta, and eventually La Chaux-du-Milieu. Migrants from the growing town of Le Locle moved to the valley in the sixteenth century. … Read more » “The Temple of La Chaux-du-Milieu”
3 November 2020
The old parish church of St. Martin in the municipality of Cressier (canton of Neuchâtel) is situated next to Jeanjaquet Castle, or rather, the other way around. The foundations of the church date back to the sixth and seventh centuries, during the late Roman era. Spolia (materials) from an old Roman temple have been used, … Read more » “Parish Church St. Martin Cressier”
3 November 2020
Available in Dutch, German and French
24 October 2020
Bishop Ulrich VII. of Chur consecrated the church of St. Oswald and Cassian in Sargans on 28 June 1711. The baroque interior was not yet in place, however, due to a lack of financial means. The late Gothic medieval tower was not replaced. The medieval castle of the Counts of Montfort and Werdenberg-Sargans still overlooks … Read more » “The church of St. Oswald and Cassian”
