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Rutul, Dagestan, 2016.
HIGHLANDERS. THE CAUCASUS & THE ALPS
Chapter II: Urbanism
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Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
HIGHLANDERS. THE CAUCASUS & THE ALPS
Chapter II: Urbanism
CASTLES AND FORTRESSES
CASTLES AND FORTRESSES
A few centuries ago, completely different buildings were strategically and economically important in mountainous regions.
A few centuries ago, completely different buildings were strategically and economically important in mountainous regions.
Photo on the left: Fortress in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016. Photo on the right: Sion, Tourbillon Castle, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
Akhtyn Fortress
The Caucasus
The Caucasus
Akhtyn Fortress in Dagestan was built in 1839 to protect the territory and monitor the Samur Valley and the lower reaches of the Akhtychay River. Mighty four-meter high walls and watchtowers made it the most important point on the southern border of Russia. A military base has been placed there.
Akhtyn Fortress
The Caucasus
Akhtyn Fortress in Dagestan was built in 1839 to protect the territory and monitor the Samur Valley and the lower reaches of the Akhtychay River. Mighty four-meter high walls and watchtowers made it the most important point on the southern border of Russia. A military base has been placed here.
However, due to its location in the valley, the fortress proved defenseless against artillery. After the October Revolution, the fortress housed a winery, a cinder block factory, a prison, an orphanage, and even a branch of the Electrosignal arms factory. Since the 1990s, the fortress has been closed to the public, but there are plans to create a historical and architectural complex.
Fortress in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
However, due to its location in the valley, the fortress proved defenseless against artillery. After the October Revolution, the fortress housed a winery, a cinder block factory, a prison, an orphanage, and even a branch of the Electrosignal arms factory. Since the 1990s, the fortress has been closed to the public, but there are plans to create a historical and architectural complex.
Fortress in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
Tourbillon Castle
The Alps
The Alps
Tourbillon Castle in the city of Sion in the canton of Valais was built at the end of the XIII century and was the residence of a bishop for centuries. It was regularly besieged by the inhabitants of Sion in numerous conflicts with the eparchy, so the castle was very well armed. It was almost an impregnable bastion due to its location on a natural plateau at an elevation.
Sion, Tourbillon Castle, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
Tourbillon Castle
The Alps
Tourbillon Castle in the city of Sion in the canton of Valais was built at the end of the XIII century and was the residence of a bishop for centuries. It was regularly besieged by the inhabitants of Sion in numerous conflicts with the eparchy, so the castle was very well armed. It was almost an impregnable bastion due to its location on a natural plateau at an elevation.
Sion, Tourbillon Castle, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
In the XVII and XIX centuries, the castle burned down several times and was finally abandoned — the locals used its materials and stones for the construction of other buildings. Only by the end of the XIX century, with the development of tourism, the city administration decided to restore the castle and make it a local landmark — an example of medieval architecture.
In the XVII and XIX centuries, the castle burned down several times and was finally abandoned — the locals used its materials and stones for the construction of other buildings. Only by the end of the XIX century, with the development of tourism, the city administration decided to restore the castle and make it a local landmark — an example of medieval architecture.
URBANISM AND SPACE
The strategic use of the natural landscape is a distinctive feature of secular buildings: Hamlets and villages in mountainous areas are adjusted to the terrain with the location of the streets and the direction of settlement development.
URBANISM AND SPACE
The strategic use of the natural landscape is a distinctive feature of secular buildings: Hamlets and villages in mountainous areas are adjusted to the terrain with the location of the streets and the direction of settlement development.
Elvina Ryazanova
Art Historian, Social anthropologist, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Junior Research Scientist of the N. N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Villages in the Caucasus are characterized by high-density development. This is mainly because families in the Caucasus are usually large and it was common for the closest relatives to live on the same farm.
Villages in the Caucasus are characterized by high-density development. This is mainly because families in the Caucasus are usually large and it was common for the closest relatives to live on the same farm.
At the beginning of the 20th century, polygamy prevailed in Dagestan, many children were born, houses were expanded and the main house could be supplemented by so-called "annexes". Moreover, the villages of Dagestan, situated high in the mountains, are located close to each other because of the steep slopes.
At the beginning of the 20th century, polygamy prevailed in Dagestan, many children were born, houses were expanded and the main house could be supplemented by so-called "annexes". Moreover, the villages of Dagestan, situated high in the mountains, are located close to each other because of the steep slopes.
Kurakh village, Dagestan, 2016.
Tarasp, Engadine Valley, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Kurakh village, Dagestan, 2016.
Tarasp, Engadine Valley, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
The situation is the opposite in Switzerland: the houses are situated very far from each other. A more gentle Alpine landscape makes it possible to build houses less densely. From the point of view of family traditions, families did not have so many children (usually not more than three) and usually a young family moved into their own house, which contributed to the new construction.
The situation is the opposite in Switzerland: the houses are situated very far from each other. A more gentle Alpine landscape makes it possible to build houses less densely. From the point of view of family traditions, families did not have so many children (usually not more than three) and usually a young family moved into their own house, which contributed to the new construction.
Gelmets
The Caucasus
The village of Gelmets is located on a high rocky butte at the confluence of the Kurdul and Samur rivers. It had an important geographical position on the trade route to Transcaucasia.
Gelmets
The Caucasus
The village of Gelmets is located on a high rocky butte at the confluence of the Kurdul and Samur rivers. It had an important geographical position on the trade route to Transcaucasia.
Leuk
The Alps
Leuk is the historical control point of the Gemmi pass in the Bernese Alps, which connects the Kandertal valley in the canton of Bern (from the north) with the Dala valley in the canton of Valais (from the south).
Leuk
The Alps
Leuk is the historical control point of the Gemmi pass in the Bernese Alps, which connects the Kandertal valley in the canton of Bern (from the north) with the Dala valley in the canton of Valais (from the south).
Leuk, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
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Leuk, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
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Leuk, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
The population density
The population density in the mountains is low. 22,546 people live in Rutulsky — the largest district of Southern Dagestan. Rutul village is the center of the district, located in the valley of the Samur river.
Swiss settlements are quite small when compared to Caucasian villages. For example, 916 people live in the municipality of Andeer in the canton of Grisons (together with the surrounding villages attached to it). Many villages and settlements have less than a hundred inhabitants.
Swiss settlements are quite small when compared to Caucasian villages. For example, 916 people live in the municipality of Andeer in the canton of Grisons (together with the surrounding villages attached to it). Many villages and settlements have less than a hundred inhabitants.
The population density
The population density in the mountains is low. 22,546 people live in Rutulsky — the largest district of Southern Dagestan. Rutul village is the center of the district, located in the valley of the Samur river.
Swiss settlements are quite small when compared to Caucasian villages. For example, 916 people live in the municipality of Andeer in the canton of Grisons (together with the surrounding villages attached to it). Many villages and settlements have less than a hundred inhabitants.
Swiss settlements are quite small when compared to Caucasian villages. For example, 916 people live in the municipality of Andeer in the canton of Grisons (together with the surrounding villages attached to it). Many villages and settlements have less than a hundred inhabitants.
New part of Rutul village, Dagestan, 2016.
Andeer, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
New part of Rutul village, Dagestan, 2016.
Andeer, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
SETTLEMENTS ON THE SLOPES
Akhty & Albinen
SETTLEMENTS ON THE SLOPES
Akhty & Albinen
Since the left bank of the Akhtychay is very steep, the streets of the Dagestan village of Akhty in the old Asian part are terraced one above the other. Quite often the roof of a house becomes a street for pedestrians on a higher level. The new part of the village is located on a more gentle slope, where there is more space and the streets are wider.
Albinen is different from the other hamlets in the region — it is situated on a steep hill. Usually, flatter places are considered when settling down. Here you cannot shake the feeling that all houses are glued to the mountain chequerwise.
Albinen is different from the other hamlets in the region — it is situated on a steep hill. Usually, flatter places are considered when settling down. Here you cannot shake the feeling that all houses are glued to the mountain chequerwise.
Since the left bank of the Akhtychay is very steep, the streets of the Dagestan village of Akhty in the old Asian part are terraced one above the other. Quite often the roof of a house becomes a street for pedestrians on a higher level. The new part of the village is located on a more gentle slope, where there is more space and the streets are wider.
Albinen is different from the other hamlets in the region — it is situated on a steep hill. Usually, flatter places are considered when settling down. Here you cannot shake the feeling that all houses are glued to the mountain chequerwise.
Albinen is different from the other hamlets in the region — it is situated on a steep hill. Usually, flatter places are considered when settling down. Here you cannot shake the feeling that all houses are glued to the mountain chequerwise.
Laza
The Caucasus
The Caucasus
The hamlet of Laza in Azerbaijan is located at the foot of Shahdag mountain at an altitude of 1680 meters above sea level, on the ancient caravan route that goes through the passages of the main Caucasian Mountains. On its opposite side in the Qabala district, there is another Laza — apparently founded by settlers.
Laza
The Caucasus
The hamlet of Laza in Azerbaijan is located at the foot of Shahdag mountain at an altitude of 1680 meters above sea level, on the ancient caravan route that goes through the passages of the main Caucasian Mountains. On its opposite side in the Qabala district, there is another Laza — apparently founded by settlers.
The village of Laza, Azerbaijan, 2016.
The village of Laza, Azerbaijan, 2016.
There are now 23 households in Laza. Residents keep about 400 sheep, which are grazed in turns in summer, and kept in stalls in winter. One of the residents said that he has 16 sheep, two cows and two calves. Sometimes he takes the cheese for sale himself, sometimes he gives it to dealers.
There is a good road leading to the village since the first ski resort in Azerbaijan "Shahdag" was recently built nearby. The view of the eponymous mountain (4243 meters) opens from the territory of Dagestan.
There is a good road leading to the village since the first ski resort in Azerbaijan "Shahdag" was recently built nearby. The view of the eponymous mountain (4243 meters) opens from the territory of Dagestan.
Kusarchay river valley and Shahdag mountain, Azerbaijan, 2016.
There are now 23 households in Laza. Residents keep about 400 sheep, which are grazed in turns in summer, and kept in stalls in winter. One of the residents said that he has 16 sheep, two cows and two calves. Sometimes he takes the cheese for sale himself, sometimes he gives it to dealers.
There is a good road leading to the village since the first ski resort in Azerbaijan "Shahdag" was recently built nearby. The view of the eponymous mountain (4243 meters) opens from the territory of Dagestan.
There is a good road leading to the village since the first ski resort in Azerbaijan "Shahdag" was recently built nearby. The view of the eponymous mountain (4243 meters) opens from the territory of Dagestan.
Kusarchay river valley and Shahdag mountain, Azerbaijan, 2016.
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Juf & Kurush
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Juf & Kurush
The highest permanently inhabited village in Europe is the Swiss village of Juf in the canton of Grisons, in the Avers valley. The settlement is located at 2126 meters above sea level.
The Avers valley is surrounded by peaks with an altitude of about 3000 meters, and almost all settlements in this valley are located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. So you feel that you are already on the top of the mountain. The climate corresponds to the area.
The highest permanently inhabited village in Europe is the Swiss village of Juf in the canton of Grisons, in the Avers valley. The settlement is located at 2126 meters above sea level.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
The Avers valley is surrounded by peaks with an altitude of about 3000 meters, and almost all settlements in this valley are located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. So you feel that you are already on the top of the mountain. The climate corresponds to the area.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
According to the latest figures, there are about 30 inhabitants living in Juf, but the population is growing compared to previous censuses. Apparently, people are attracted by the natural isolation and seclusion. At the same time, the village has a good infrastructure — the bus goes to Andeer, which is an important transport hub in the region. Several popular hiking trails along the valley begin in Juf, so there are even several cafes and a small tourist center in the village.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
According to the latest figures, there are about 30 inhabitants living in Juf, but the population is growing compared to previous censuses. Apparently, people are attracted by the natural isolation and seclusion. At the same time, the village has a good infrastructure — the bus goes to Andeer, which is an important transport hub in the region. Several popular hiking trails along the valley begin in Juf, so there are even several cafes and a small tourist center in the village.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Almost all the houses in Swiss Juf are old, there are no trees on the slopes. You can see them only if you go down a few meters into the valley. And here only meadows — ideal for grazing cows and other livestock.
Almost all the houses in Swiss Juf are old, there are no trees on the slopes. You can see them only if you go down a few meters into the valley. And here only meadows — ideal for grazing cows and other livestock.
Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Juf, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
There is a competitor of the Juf in Dagestan — the highland village of Kurush. If we draw the border of Europe along the Caucasian ridge, then this village will be the highest in the region — 2560 meters.
There is a competitor of the Juf in Dagestan — the highland village of Kurush. If we draw the border of Europe along the Caucasian ridge, then this village will be the highest in the region — 2560 meters.
It is located on the southeastern slope of Shalbuzdag. As of 2021, 787 people live there. It is also the southernmost settlement in Russia. Tourists who plan to climb several peaks surrounding the village — mountains Bazardüzü (4466 m), Shalbuzdag (4150 m), and Yerydag (3925 m) often start from here.
It is located on the southeastern slope of Shalbuzdag. As of 2021, 787 people live there. It is also the southernmost settlement in Russia. Tourists who plan to climb several peaks surrounding the village — mountains Bazardüzü (4466 m), Shalbuzdag (4150 m), and Yerydag (3925 m) often start from here.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
THE ALPS
Back in the middle of the XX century, almost none of the Switzerland cantons had paved roads, only dirt roads — people drove themselves along these dirt roads and drove the cattle twice a day: in the morning to pasture, and in the evening to milk. This is still one of the main reasons for traffic jams in Swiss villages at 5:45 p.m.
Back in the middle of the XX century, almost none of the Switzerland cantons had paved roads, only dirt roads — people drove themselves along these dirt roads and drove the cattle twice a day: in the morning to pasture, and in the evening to milk. This is still one of the main reasons for traffic jams in Swiss villages at 5:45 p.m.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
THE ALPS
Back in the middle of the XX century, almost none of the Switzerland cantons had paved roads, only dirt roads — people drove themselves along these dirt roads and drove the cattle twice a day: in the morning to pasture, and in the evening to milk. This is still one of the main reasons for traffic jams in Swiss villages at 5:45 p.m.
The cows are returning from the pasture along the main street. Andeer, Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
The cows are returning from the pasture along the main street. Andeer, Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Swiss mountain villages are very small: many have no more than a dozen houses.
They are united into communes that make administrative decisions and own land. In general, the administrative status in the country does not play any role, it is rather a matter of historical heritage and the decision of the residents themselves. Moreover, a house in a small village is usually not the only property of the family.
Swiss mountain villages are very small: many have no more than a dozen houses.
They are united into communes that make administrative decisions and own land. In general, the administrative status in the country does not play any role, it is rather a matter of historical heritage and the decision of the residents themselves. Moreover, a house in a small village is usually not the only property of the family.
Saint Pierre de Clage, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
Saint Pierre de Clage, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
THE CAUCASUS
Many people in the old part of Akhty in Dagestan moved into new houses with gardens during the summer. Residents of the old quarters built new housing in a more convenient location, and usually left the old one.
THE CAUCASUS
Many people in the old part of Akhty in Dagestan moved into new houses with gardens during the summer. Residents of the old quarters built new housing in a more convenient location, and usually left the old one.
Old houses in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
Old houses in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
Sometimes such sites were used to expand neighboring properties, but for the most part they collapsed and formed entire abandoned areas.
Sometimes such sites were used to expand neighboring properties, but for the most part they collapsed and formed entire abandoned areas.
Old houses in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
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Old houses in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
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Old houses in the village of Akhty, Dagestan, 2016.
THE Alps
THE Alps
Swiss settlements in the valleys are often a permanent residence. The highland villages or mostly solitary houses on the contrary were once used for summer grazing in the mountains.
Swiss settlements in the valleys are often a permanent residence. The highland villages or mostly solitary houses on the contrary were once used for summer grazing in the mountains.
In the cattle-raising areas, even school attendance was adjusted to the agricultural schedule, and the school year ended at the end of spring so that the children and their parents could go to the mountains. In September, the cattle were brought down from the mountains, thus the families returned to the valley alongside. Nowadays, it is the shepherds who take care of the cows in summer, and the summer houses often remain abandoned or become summer residences where families arrive on weekends (or to be more exact, simply walk, since there are no roads to some of them).
Summer house on Monte Gambarogno, canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 2021.
In the cattle-raising areas, even school attendance was adjusted to the agricultural schedule, and the school year ended at the end of spring so that the children and their parents could go to the mountains. In September, the cattle were brought down from the mountains, thus the families returned to the valley alongside. Nowadays, it is the shepherds who take care of the cows in summer, and the summer houses often remain abandoned or become summer residences where families arrive on weekends (or to be more exact, simply walk, since there are no roads to some of them).
Summer house on Monte Gambarogno, canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 2021.
KHINALUG
Khinalug is a remote highland village and became one of the gems of Azerbaijan. It is planned to develop ecotourism there. That's why the locals have opened a museum and they knit souvenir socks, work as guides, rent out their houses, and organize horseback rides.
The Caucasus
KHINALUG
The Caucasus
Khinalug is a remote highland village and became one of the gems of Azerbaijan. It is planned to develop ecotourism there. That's why the locals have opened a museum and they knit souvenir socks, work as guides, rent out their houses, and organize horseback rides.
CRISIS AND A NEW LIFE FOR MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
CRISIS AND A NEW LIFE FOR MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Some high-altitude, permanently inhabited Swiss villages have recently experienced a serious crisis: The inhabitants began to go abroad for work, left their homes and, in most cases, never returned. Settlements began to die out and collapse. Different regions of Switzerland have found different ways out of this situation.
Some high-altitude, permanently inhabited Swiss villages have recently experienced a serious crisis: The inhabitants began to go abroad for work, left their homes and, in most cases, never returned. Settlements began to die out and collapse. Different regions of Switzerland have found different ways out of this situation.
Albinen, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
Albinen, Canton of Valais, Switzerland, 2021.
ALBINEN
The Alps
The Alps
So the administration of Albinen decided to give 15,000 francs to young Swiss who were willing to move to the village and live there permanently for at least the next 10 years and invest in the construction or renovation of a house.
This strategy worked: now the village looks quite alive, and such an offer also made it attractive to tourists. Perfectly preserved wooden architecture included in the list of the cultural heritage of Switzerland also added to its popularity.
ALBINEN
The Alps
So the administration of Albinen decided to give 15,000 francs to young Swiss who were willing to move to the village and live there permanently for at least the next 10 years and invest in the construction or renovation of a house.
This strategy worked: now the village looks quite alive, and such an offer also made it attractive to tourists. Perfectly preserved wooden architecture included in the list of the cultural heritage of Switzerland also added to its popularity.
Nowadays, many Albinen inhabitants rent their rooms to tourists. People come here to enjoy peace and quietness, hiking and biking trails in the mountains and a rustic atmosphere. Many live here permanently. The construction of roads has made such remote places accessible to tourists. There is even a bus from the town of Loic that also serves the function of a school bus: it takes the children from the villages in the valley to school and back.
Nowadays, many Albinen inhabitants rent their rooms to tourists. People come here to enjoy peace and quietness, hiking and biking trails in the mountains and a rustic atmosphere. Many live here permanently. The construction of roads has made such remote places accessible to tourists. There is even a bus from the town of Loic that also serves the function of a school bus: it takes the children from the villages in the valley to school and back.
ANDERMATT
The Apls
The Apls
Andermatt is an example of another direction of village development in Switzerland. This place was lucky to be surrounded by convenient slopes for skiing. Thus, in recent years, the fishing village has literally transformed into an international resort with one of the most expensive hotels in the world and Michelin restaurants.
Andermatt, Canton of Uri, Switzerland, 2021.
ANDERMATT
The Apls
Andermatt is an example of another direction of village development in Switzerland. This place was lucky to be surrounded by convenient slopes for skiing. Thus, in recent years, the fishing village has literally transformed into an international resort with one of the most expensive hotels in the world and Michelin restaurants.
Andermatt, Canton of Uri, Switzerland, 2021.
Now there is a huge private golf course next to the pastures between Andermatt and neighboring Hospental, and more than half of the village is taken up by hotels and rental apartments.
Now there is a huge private golf course next to the pastures between Andermatt and neighboring Hospental, and more than half of the village is taken up by hotels and rental apartments.
Andermatt, Canton of Uri, Switzerland, 2021.
Andermatt, Canton of Uri, Switzerland, 2021.
Malix
The Alps
Malix
The Alps
The development of technology and the 2020 pandemic have breathed new life into the remote mountain areas of Switzerland.
The development of technology and the 2020 pandemic have breathed new life into the remote mountain areas of Switzerland.
The small village of Malix, perched on a mountain above the town of Chur, is a "summer residence" for town residents, an observation point for tourists and a kicking-off point for hikers. Someone lives here all the time: few houses have electric car chargers installed next to piles of firewood.
The small village of Malix, perched on a mountain above the town of Chur, is a "summer residence" for town residents, an observation point for tourists and a kicking-off point for hikers. Someone lives here all the time: few houses have electric car chargers installed next to piles of firewood.
Malix, Chur, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Malix, Chur, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
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Malix, Chur, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Malix, Chur, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, 2021.
Corippo
The Alps
Corippo
The Alps
The village of Corippo in Ticino, in southern Switzerland, was on the verge of extinction about a decade ago. Most recently, it was the smallest commune in Switzerland.
The village of Corippo in Ticino, in southern Switzerland, was on the verge of extinction about a decade ago. Most recently, it was the smallest commune in Switzerland.
Corippo, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 2021.
Corippo, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 2021.
After three people remained in it, it was merged with the neighboring one, but this did not save Corippo from extinction. Then, it was decided to turn the settlement into a landscape hotel: the hotel rooms were to be located in historic houses, and the reception directly in the central square. Due to the pandemic, the process had to be postponed, but at the moment (2022) the restoration is in full swing.
After three people remained in it, it was merged with the neighboring one, but this did not save Corippo from extinction. Then, it was decided to turn the settlement into a landscape hotel: the hotel rooms were to be located in historic houses, and the reception directly in the central square. Due to the pandemic, the process had to be postponed, but at the moment (2022) the restoration is in full swing.
Appenzell
The Alps
Appenzell
The Alps
Appenzell is a great example of how the village managed to make a brand from itself in the wake of the popularity of tourism.
The local beer factory (whose products can be found all over Switzerland) and the appearance of the houses — the characteristic painted wooden facades — played a major role. They have only been looking like this for a relatively short time: The houses were painted by an artist named Johannes Hugentobler just a century ago, in the 1920s.
Appenzell is a great example of how the village managed to make a brand from itself in the wake of the popularity of tourism.
The local beer factory (whose products can be found all over Switzerland) and the appearance of the houses — the characteristic painted wooden facades — played a major role. They have only been looking like this for a relatively short time: The houses were painted by an artist named Johannes Hugentobler just a century ago, in the 1920s.
Appenzell, Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland, 2021.
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Anthropogeos. 2021
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