The diversity of Swiss building culture is unique. For 20 years, the foundation Ferien im Baudenkmal has been successfully promoting their visibility and meaningful use, writes the foundation on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. It is celebrating this with various anniversary activities.
The Casa Portico in Moghegno (Ticino) can be rented from Ferien im Baudenkmal; Photo: Studio Gataric
Initiated in 2005 by the Schweizer Heimtatschutz with which it still has a close partnership, the idea of a project to preserve historically valuable buildings has grown into a successful institution. In its now 60 properties, which have been saved from vacancy, decay and demolition, it makes building culture accessible and tangible for the general public at moderate prices.
The holiday flats and houses that can be rented through Ferien im Baudenkmal often skilfully combine modern interiors with the history of the property – here the Kaplanei in Ernen (Valais); Photo: Studio Gataric
To mark the anniversary, the foundation has planned a number of activities with the aim of infecting a wide audience with its passion for building culture.
‘Open days’
In the Turalihaus in Valendas (Graubünden), the architect has skilfully chosen contemporary fittings to match the historical content of the room. Photo: Studio Gataric
To mark its anniversary, the foundation is opening the doors of 20 architectural monuments throughout Switzerland. From April to November 2025, public tours and visits will take place on selected days. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the buildings. You can find the programme here German language.
Anniversary magazine
Cover picture of the magazine celebrating the 20th anniversary of the foundation Ferien im Baudenkmal.
A special edition of the magazine Heimatschutz/Patrimoine gives an insight behind the scenes and into the history of the foundation, allows various voices – including literary ones such as those of the young Biel writer Zoé Borbély and the well-known Graubünden author Arno Camenisch – as well as people and institutions close to the foundation to have their say and presents the wide range of offers, supplemented by a selection of inspiring guest reviews and an inspiring ‘architectural monument horoscope’. You can read the magazine online free of charge here (in German or French only).
Kitchen towel collection
Blue kitchen towel: inspired by the fishermen’s houses in Romanshorn (TG)
Red kitchen towel: inspired by the murals in the Château de Réchy in Réchy (VS)
A kitchen towel collection inspired by the foundation’s architectural monuments was produced for the anniversary year. The limited edition is now available online. Purchases support the work of the charitable foundation Ferien im Baudenkmal.
Looking to the future with confidence
In 2008, three years after it was founded, the Ferien im Baudenkmal foundation started its rental activities with just 2 houses. Today there are 60 properties in the catalogue.
The foundation looks to the future with confidence. ‘There is no better praise for our work than satisfied holiday guests who return home from their holidays full of architectural experiences and sensitised to the topic,’ says Christine Matthey, Managing Director of the foundation. ‘We are looking forward to all the architectural monuments that we will be able to save over the next few years and whose history we will be able to tell and bring to life.’
All information about the anniversary year and the planned activities can be found at https://ferienimbaudenkmal.ch/20-jahre
Here you will find the monuments that can currently be rented for holiday stays.
