Zuoz was not built along the thoroughfare like most villages in the Upper Engadine, but developed from the bishop's headquarters and from the Dorta farm. In the course of the 16th and 17th centuries, a closed square of impressive effect was created in the centre of the village, framed by burghers' and patricians' houses. Up until 100 years ago, the Upper Engadine regional assembly was held on this square.
The village of Zuoz is a splendid example of a Romanesque village that has preserved the witnesses of its eventful past into the present. The imposing village square with the Crusch Alva legal inn, the San Luzi church with its steeple, the Planta houses, the Planta tower and the well-kept houses give this well-preserved Upper Engadin village a stately appearance. The large number of dignified houses with typical Engadine oriels and sgraffito decorations is striking. The late Romanesque chapel of San Bastiaun and the Gothic church of Santa Chatrigna also add to the ornamentation of the village.
Would you like to learn more about Zuoz?
Every Tuesday (during the summer and winter season) there is a free guided tour of the village. The pleasant village tour gives a good overview of the history and present of Zuoz. The village tour is conducted in German and takes place in all weathers.