It is difficult to express in words the attraction that the Engadin has on people from all countries of origin. Hardly any other part of the world has been described as euphorically by as many writers and thinkers as the Upper Engadine.
Engadin makes it easy for us to love it: on the sandy beach of Isola or on the Bernina Group glaciers, at the Pila meat dryer or a five-star St. Moritz hotel, on a deep-snow downhill run into the Roseg Valley or Chalandamarz in Zuoz, at the Festival da Jazz or the Opéra St. Moritz. Welcome to the valley of contrasts.
People of all countries, skin colors and religions have been coming to Engadin for more than 3,000 years. It all began with a healing spring; the inventiveness and charm of the Engadines slowly gave rise to tourism.
But the strangers didn't just come as guests: inspired by the unique landscape, they created amazing things and shaped this valley.
Visionary projects
The Belgian Count Camille von Renesse and his wife Countess Malvina de Kerckove of Denterghem were also among them. In 1880, they acquired 140 hectares of land in Maloja and began to realize a visionary project: 200 guest rooms, a dining room with seating for 700 people, a golf course and even their own church.
In 1884, today's Maloja Palace was opened with a lavish party.
The Count's story would provide the material for an opera: Only two months after the opening, the Countess died suddenly. Cholera was rampant in Italy and all borders were closed.
The splendor of the house was suddenly gone, the Count was suddenly on the verge of ruin and had to sell his beloved hotel the next year.
Many of the large houses in the Engadin were built during this period, as well as mountain railways and the Albula and Bernina railway. They all went through ups and downs, but they are still the backbone of the destination today and remind us of a pioneering spirit that we can only marvel at.
An offer that is second to none
Tourism has brought hustle and bustle to the Valley of Contrasts. A lot has changed since 1880. The lake district between the wooded mountain slopes, the unique mountain light and the interplay of colors of the seasons, the scent of the forests and the dark blue of the sky have remained as beautiful as ever.
During walks and hikes, on ski tours and bike trails, in the valley and on the mountains, even connoisseurs of this landscape are always finding new favorite places. There is also an unparalleled range of gastronomy and culture.
Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti or now Bellini
Since 2001, Opéra St. Moritz has been a part of the cultural Engadin that is as contrasting as it is attractive. As a sponsor, we are proud to help Opéra St. Moritz continue to help new guests fall in love with this valley in 2016.
Dr. Martin Meyer, Chairman of the ITW Group, Balzers