Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland Jan. 2, 2025

Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

Perched on a terrace above the Inn Valley at 1,460 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

Fit for a fairytale
Jan. 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Jan. 2, 2026Aerial view of Venice, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Canoeing in solitude
Aug 15, 2026Ah Shi Sle Pah Wilderness, New Mexico, United States
A time-worn medieval marvel
Jan. 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Dec. 31, 2023Happy New Years Eve!
Jun 9, 2026Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Aug. 3, 2025Blooming sunflowers
Feb. 17, 2024Sassnitz lighthouse, Rügen, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Feb. 11, 2026Death Valley National Park, California, United States
What waterborne wizardry is this?
Jan. 7, 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand
May 21, 2026International Tea Day
Part science experiment, part public park
Nov. 8, 2025Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
A butterfly’s best friend
Apr. 6, 2025Yellow warbler
May 26, 2024Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington
Oct. 28, 2024Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia
Feb. 7, 2026Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
Singing the blues
Oct 4, 2026World Space Week begins
Sep. 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
Nov 7, 2026Bison
Sep. 28, 2025Town of Pienza in Tuscany, Italy
A shiver of sharks on the hunt
Apr. 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Jan. 17, 2024Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Jul. 10, 2025Independence Day of the Bahamas
Jan. 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Fit for a fairytale