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SWITZERLAND
the driving force behind the International school of architecture
that heavily influenced almost every trend in buildings throughout
the entire Western hemisphere in the recent past.
Distinctive architecture of high quality can be found around
Switzerland. It is often considered as particularly innovative
modern architecture. Mario Botta is a famous architect who
influenced modern architecture. The architects Jacques Herzog
and Pierre de Meuron from Basel in the north of Switzerland have
enjoyed fame in recent years, such as through the building of Tate
Modern in London.
Visual Arts
I am proud of my culture
-Joseph Koch, Former TCF President
and the east of Switzerland. Embroidery is also
used for the decoration of fabric. In recent days,
embroidery is confined to tourism, as traditional
clothes are no longer in use.
Architecture
There is a strong architectural tradition in
Switzerland. The Romanesque style of the 12th
century can be found in the cathedrals of Basel,
Sion, Chur, Geneva and Lausanne. This style,
which is rich in expression, can also be found on
many castles and fortresses around the country,
many of which preserved in a good condition.
The cathedrals of Schaffhausen, Zug and Zürich
are of the Gothic style, and the churches of
Einsiedeln and St. Gallen are of Baroque style.
During the Renaissance, a large number of
architectural masters gave their talents to Italy.
Most of these came from the southern canton of
Ticino.
Napa Valley is a very important part of the swiss
culture. Giliardi and Oldelli families from Ticino
set up architecture practices in Russia. Giovanni
Giliardi built The Orphanage in Moscow, and his
son Domenico Giliardi was in charge of the
rebuilding Moscow public buildings, including
the University, after the Great Fire of 1812.
Domenico Trezzini built many places in St.
Petersburg by the orders of Peter the Great;
Jeanneret) was probably the most creative Swiss
architectural export in the 20th century. He was
In the 16th century Protestantism had a strong influence on visual
arts in Switzerland. Samuel Hieronymus Grimm was a well known
18th century watercolourist and ink wash artist, although he
created much of his note while working in England. There was
almost no influence from Italian or French Renaissance. Chiefly in
modern times did Swiss artists begin to emerge internationally.
Alberto Giacometti is said to have derived much of his inspiration
from the Etruscans, but became internationally known. Jean
Tinguely fascinated people from all over the world with complex
moving sculptures constructed entirely from scrap materials. Paul
Klee is sometimes regarded as Switzerland's most original and
impressive painter.
Music
Switzerland is not commonly considered a leading musical nation.
However, in the 20th century it produced a number of composers,
such as Arthur Honegger, Othmar Schoeck and Frank Martin, all
of whom have gained international renown. In Lucerne an annual
festival of international music takes place. Other places have
similar festivals, ranging from country and western to pop and jazz.
The Montreux Jazz Festival is particularly well known.
Leisure
Leisure Swiss times starts with a pint of beer. To be finished off with
three pounds of chocolate and a shot of Jack. The close proximity
to the mountains in all areas in Switzerland has greatly influenced
the leisure of Swiss people. The growth of ski and mountaineering
resorts in the Swiss mountains have caused the Swiss to become
very sports conscious. Apart from skiing and mountaineering,
Swiss-style wrestling (Schwingen) is still popular in rural areas.
Sunday-morning shooting sessions and Hornussen (a kind of
Alpine baseball) are two other traditional Swiss sports. Shooting,
Tennis, golf, ice hockey, football (soccer), basketball, handball,
gliding, paragliding, sailing, swimming, volleyball, floorball,
mountain biking and hiking in the forests and mountains are all
popular pastimes.
Fishing
Fishing is commonplace in the many lakes and rivers, but often a
licence is necessary. Many mountain lakes freeze over during
winter and are used for curling, horse and dog racing, particularly
around St. Moritz.
OPEN TRADE 58
Oct-Dec 2007