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 24, 2024Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Oct 18, 2024Central Park, New York, United States
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Dec 3, 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, United States
Dec 22, 2025Alte Brücke Bridge, Frankfurt, Germany
Nov 19, 2025Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
Jun 8, 2025Steller sea lions
Apr 18, 2024Medieval city walls, Ávila, Spain
Dec 25, 2023Reindeer running in snow
Feb 10, 2024Giant anteater
Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Dec 23, 2024Two red-crowned cranes in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
Oct 6, 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York, USA
Dec 17, 2025Eurasian red squirrel
Oct 29, 2024Great horned owl
Nov 6, 2024Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
Jul 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Oct 12, 2025Saranac Lake, New York
Mar 3, 2024Leopard in a tree, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Aug 19, 2024Bufadero de la Garita, Gran Canaria, Spain
May 26, 2024Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington, USA
Sep 11, 2025Peña Falcon rock, Monfragüe National Park, Spain
Jan 26, 2024Northern hawk-owl
Jan 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Apr 10, 2024Burrowing owl chicks, Wyoming, USA
Nov 20, 2025Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Nov 17, 2023Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin, USA
Oct 12, 2023Palouse region, Idaho, USA
Aug 24, 2023Shark Fin Cove, California, USA
Jan 21, 2025Eurasian red squirrel