Engadine Attractions

Engadine House The inns and guest houses of Guarda provide a prime example of the traditional Engadine house, which from the 14th C. has combined both house and stable under one roof. The "Suler" (passage) below the round arched doorway serves as the entrance to the "Tablà" (barn) and the lobby to the living-room, with the "Stüva" (parlor, lounge), the "Chadafö" (kitchen), and the "Chaminada" (pantry). Above these last two rooms are the bedrooms ("Chombra"), access to which is usually via stairs from the parlor. In addition there is a winch and more "Giodens" or "Gebens" (rooms) for the young men. Occasionally there is a finely paneled upper room.

The external appearance is characterized by the mortar-colored walls with inward-sloping window openings and a large door. The influence of neighboring Tirol is clearly visible in the fascinating and varied wall decorations. Every style is reflected from Gothic to Roccoco and Neo-classical to Naïve, and typical decorative features include oriel windows, window grilles and heraldic animals.