Swiss Stories

Jona PGT, Personal Gallery studio in Lugano

'Swiss Tattoo': Swiss quality under the skin

Society
With 'Swiss made', you know what you're getting: perfect execution, a five-star finish and impeccable quality. This know-how also applies to the Swiss tattoo scene; the country can boast a generation of tattoo artists whose unique talent has earned them international renown.
© Ticino Tourism, photo by Enrico Pescantini

Italian-speaking Switzerland, a land of literary inspiration

Society
Did you know that Italian-speaking Switzerland, with its lakes and mountains, features in the works of three giants of world literature? Join us on a literary tour of Italian-speaking Switzerland, stopping in three of the region's most iconic places: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and the Gotthard Pass.
© Succession Alberto Giacometti / 2022, ProLitteris, Zurich

In Paris, (Swiss) Italian is also the language of art

Society
For Italian Language Week 2022, the Swiss embassy in Paris went in search of works left behind by Swiss Italians past and present. At the top of a long list is an artist from the canton of Graubünden, who, from an atelier of just 24 square metres in the Montparnasse district, became famous the world over for his artistic creations. We are of course talking about Alberto Giacometti, who is not the only Swiss Italian to have left his mark in France. An alternative tour in the City of Light – in which you will also discover a bit about Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Antoine Preziuso

The Swiss – Artisans of Time

Society
Watches are often associated with Switzerland – a cliché that reflects reality. Swiss watchmaking expertise has been famous and recognised internationally since the 17th century. Here is the story of a tradition that has overcome its share of crises, and is still very much alive. 

by Lea Huszno

Perfume in the making

How Geneva became the Silicon Valley of fragrances and flavours

Society
Around the world, Geneva is regarded as a magnet for diplomacy and watchmaking savoir-faire. But the French-speaking canton is also a global hub for scents and tastes, and home of the world’s two leading players. We trace this success back to its origins.

by Olivia Chang

© SWPIX

Equal opportunities for young cyclists from around the world in Switzerland

Society
Biniam Girmay recently became the first African cyclist to win a major racing event. As a young rider, he spent several months at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, a small town in the Swiss canton of Vaud, learning about pro cycling and its challenges. His success has made him an ambassador for over 1,500 young athletes from developing countries who have taken part in the programme over the past 15 years.

by Bertrand Monnard

Caran d’Ache

Caran d’Ache: Rewriting History

Society
It started with a humble cedar wood pencil. Then Caran d’Ache made history with its iconic 849 ballpoint pen and release of the world’s first watercolour pencils. Today, the Swiss stationery company continues to make an impression on generations of artists, professionals and children.

by Olivia Chang