Quadrilingual Switzerland and Identity

Fribourg/Freiburg, Le pont de Sarine, Röstigrabenbrücke über die Saane. Foto/Photo:TES

29 June 2022

The Confederation of thirteen sovereign cantons (1513-1798) was a German-speaking alliance. Fribourg was the only bilingual (French and German) canton. Multilingual Switzerland was a creation of the French occupier in 1798. The hegemony of German disappeared. The Helvetic Republic (1798-1803) recognised the equality of the Italian, French and German languages. Laws and decrees were published … Read more » “Quadrilingual Switzerland and Identity”

The Report of John Bowring on Switzerland

Frontcover of The Report on the Commerce and Manufactures of Switzerland by John Bowring. Photo/Foto: Wikipedia

5 April 2022

The Report on the Commerce and Manufactures of Switzerland by John Bowring was presented to both Houses of Parliament in 1835 and published in 1836. Bowring (1792-1872) visited Switzerland and most of its cantons in 1835. He wrote this Report based on his impressizons and visits and meetings with politicians, industrialists, manufacturers, traders, citizens, farmers, … Read more » “The Report of John Bowring on Switzerland”

Wintertourism Engadin

Mario Verieri, 150 Jahre Wintertourismus St. Moritz, 2015. Photo/foto: TES.

27 March 2022

The most significant growth of tourism in Switzerland took place in Engadine (Canton Graubünden) in particular took place between 1870 and 1914. A stay in a Grand Hotel or spa was prestigious. Scuol, Vulpera Sils Maria and, for example, St. Moritz were among the most popular destinations. Many Grand Hotels were built. One initiative deserves … Read more » “Wintertourism Engadin”