The origin of the name Bever is uncertain. Perhaps it comes from “Biber”, the German word for beaver – a logical conclusion given the unspoilt nature waiting to be discovered around this small mountain municipality. Or the village itself, which shyly hides itself away, for the main road gives it a wide berth and runs around the outskirts. Which is actually not a bad thing, because thus the valuable traces of bygone days will be preserved for many years to come.
Such as the historic grand villas with their beautiful front parlours and vaulted ceilings, or the stocky Engadin houses with their wide gabled roofs, small windows set into thick walls and large front doors. Or, of course, the Church of San Giachem, dating from the 14th century, whose Gothic wall paintings are unrivalled worldwide.
Providing a fitting backdrop are the beautiful gardens, which reflect the taste and cultural awareness of the wealthy, well-travelled families that once lived here. Anyone interested in finding out more about the village, which over the course of the 20th century grew from being the pauper of the Upper Engadin into the highly reputed environmental pioneer of Graubünden, should take a look at the published history of Bever.
