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:

Jul 30, 2025Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Apr 4, 2025National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC, United States
Jan 17, 2024Eurasian wolf
Mar 14, 2026Lanyon Quoit, a Neolithic dolmen in Cornwall, England
Jul 18, 2025Eucalyptus forest, Urubici, Santa Catarina, Brazil
May 12, 2025An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan
Sep 3, 2024Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
May 5, 2024Colonnade in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Feb 6, 2026Ra Gusela peak at Giau Pass, near Cortina dAmpezzo, Italy
Apr 9, 2025Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Sep 20, 2025Swing carousel at Oktoberfest, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Apr 3, 2025Saguaro National Park, Arizona, United State
Feb 25, 2024Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Canada
Mar 7, 2026Snowy owl near the Canadian Rockies
Dec 22, 2024Crystal Pier, San Diego, California, United States
Sep 14, 2024Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island, Chile
Aug 11, 2025Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy
Dec 16, 2023Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
Apr 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States
Jun 13, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Jun 8, 2024Confluence of Easter Creek and Killik River, Alaska, USA
Nov 21, 2023Grey seal pup
Oct 17, 2025Rock River Falls, Michigan
Jan 30, 2026St. Michaels Mount in Marazion, Cornwall, England
Feb 10, 2025Art Installation of umbrellas, London, England
Feb 4, 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
Jun 10, 2024The city of Osaka at night, Japan
Dec 22, 2023Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Apr 1, 2025Tree frog, Costa Rica
Nov 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan