Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland Jan 2, 2025

Perched on a terrace above the Inn Valley at over 1,400 metres, Ardez is a hidden gem in eastern Switzerland renowned for its deep cultural roots and stunning preservation of history. This picturesque village, starring in today"s image, showcases the rich traditions and unique language of Switzerland"s Romansh-speaking communities. Its homes are adorned with sgraffiti—decorative designs etched into plaster—and colourful murals, both iconic art styles of the Engadin region. Dating back to 840, when it was first referred to as Ardezis, the village"s history includes Steinsberg Castle, originally owned by the Bishop of Chur. Though destroyed during the Swabian War in 1499, the castle"s tower has been restored multiple times and stands today as a proud reminder of its past. In 1975, Ardez was chosen as a Swiss model village for its exceptional preservation efforts, which have kept its historic charm intact.

© Roberto Moiola/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Jan 2, 2024Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort, India
Jan 2, 2026Aerial view of Venice, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb 23, 2024Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Jan 25, 2024Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
Dec 7, 2023Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
May 18, 2025Pont St-Pierre across the Garonne River, Toulouse, France
May 31, 2026Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Jan 9, 2026Muir Woods National Monument, California, United States
Aug 24, 2023Shark Fin Cove, California, USA
Mar 6, 2026The Wave, Vejle, Denmark
Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a commercial port in Thailand
Sep 2, 2025Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
Jan 14, 2026Fortress of Palamidi, Nafplio, Greece
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
Dec 26, 2024Christmas lights at Mousehole harbour, Cornwall, England
Jun 6, 2024Greater flamingos at Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, Camargue, France
Feb 19, 2024Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Nov 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland
May 11, 2026Great Barrier Reef from above, Queensland, Australia
Mar 29, 2024South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales, UK
Feb 17, 2026Ochagavía, Navarre, Spain
Mar 28, 2025Black-naped monarch
Jun 5, 2025Fumacinha Waterfall, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Jul 18, 2024Coral reef in the Indian Ocean, Mayotte, France
Mar 7, 2025Plum blossoms, China
Jun 14, 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada
Apr 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Oct 1, 2024Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Aug 23, 2025Greater flamingos, Camargue Regional Nature Park, France
Sep 16, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Dec 18, 2025Temple of the Sun, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Sep 20, 2024Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA