Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland Jan 2, 2025

Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

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

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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jul 19, 2025Luna moth in New Braunfels, Texas, United States
This bird is peak beak
The dawn of a new beginning
Apr 14, 2025Ambedkar Jayanti
Aug 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park
Jan 5, 2026A herd of impalas, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
Feb 9, 2024Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia
Apr 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
Nov 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain
The Riviera of India
May 4, 2024Star Wars Day
May 4, 2025Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka
A peck between penguins
Where is this ethereal mountain?
May 8, 2024Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
A life-sized snow globe
Sep 3, 2024Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
Sep 29, 2024West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
Oct 18, 2024Autumn in Central Park, New York, United States
Mar 20, 2026Spring equinox
Jun 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
A dramatic celebration of peace
Jul 25, 2024Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
Staying in the loop
Jan 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
Where are these prickly pears?
Dec 16, 2024Salzburg, Austria
Postcard from Italy
Wind powered ice racing
Oct 7, 2023Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska