The Engadine (in German Engadin, in Romansch Engiadina) is the valley of the Inn (in Romansch En), enclosed between mighty mountain chains and flanked by flower-spangled Alpine meadows and magnificent forests of larch and stone pine on the steep hillsides. The village houses are solid white-washed structures, often with sgraffito decoration, painting, handsome oriel windows or elaborate window grilles. The population is Rhaeto-Romanic and predominantly Protestant. Since 1938 the old Ladin place-names have been in official use.
There is a very worthwhile driving tour which takes in the main sights of Engadine, including the Swiss National Park, Upper and Lower Engadine, Guarda and Ardez.
Guarda's neighboring village of Ardez (1,470 m/4,825ft, pop. 463) also has many examples of typically decorated houses of the Lower Engadine region, with charming sgraffiti, oriel windows and gables. A notable example is the Clalgüna house.
A narrow side road leads via steep hairpin bends to the linear village of Guarda (1,653 m/5,425ft, pop. 179), which was awarded the Wakker Prize in 1975 for its harmonious architecture.
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.
Between early July and mid-August, Engadine opens its churches and concert halls to a host of European musicians and groups. Classical concerts and recitals are the focus of this festival.
Documents, photos and memorabilia relating to philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche including his death mask are found in this house that Nietzsche once rented.
Address: Sils Maria Nietzsche-Haus, Stiftung Nietzsche-Haus in Sils Maria, Postfach 4314, CH-7514 Sils Maria, Switzerland
Hours:
June 15 to October 15: 3pm-6pm; Closed: Mon
December 20 to April 15: 3pm-6pm; Closed: Mon, Mon
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Swiss National Park
Swiss National Park
Ardez
Swiss National Park
Engadine - Culture and Landscape
Ardez
Guarda
Engadine House, Guarda
