Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel
Before moving to Switzerland I hadn’t heard of Mario Botta. Now visiting his buildings has become a little bit of an obsession! But why? What is it that I find to interesting about his architecture?
He uses bold geometric shapes which give his buildings a unique look. More often than not there is a story behind the building or about its construction.
Who is he?
He was born in 1943 in the Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. He was interested in architecture from a young age and studied at the University Institute of Architecture in Venice. Whilst there he met fellow Swiss architect le Corbusier.
To date he has designed over 300 buildings. These range from museums and banks to churches and synagogues. He has even designed a few spas!
I’m sharing 5 of his buildings (all in Switzerland) that I have visited and there are more on my list, in particular the spa at Rigi Kaltbad and a new spa due to open later this year in Baden.
1. Church of San Giovanni Battista
Location: Mogno, Vallemaggia, Ticino
Date opened: 1996 (built between 1992-1996)
- It sits on the remains of a 15th Century church that was destroyed by an avalanche in 1986.
- The building stands out against the landscape and the traditional houses in the village.
- I particularly liked the cylindrical shape and the stunning stonework. The black and white stones work together to give a striking effect.
- It doesn’t have any windows, natural light comes in through a glass roof.
Other things to do in the area:
- We did a circular walk (45 minutes) from Mogno to Fusio taking in the beautiful countryside and seeing several Rustici (traditional stone built houses) on the way.
2. Tour de Moron
Location: Valbirse/Malleray
Date opened: 2004 (work began in 2000)
- 30 metre tower with panoramic views across the Jura mountains and towards France and Germany.
- Botta offered his services at no cost and drew up the plans for the tower.
- It was built by more than 700 local apprentices.
Other things to do in the area:
- Hiking: there are various walking routes to the tower. From Malleray-Bévilard train station it is an 1 hour 50 minute walk. We drove part of the route there, parked up and then walked the rest. It was an energetic uphill walk that took about an hour. You can also drive almost all the way to the top (20 minute walk) but the road is a rough track and only recommended for 4 wheel drive vehicles.
- 30 minutes away is the small town of Bellelay. You can visit the former abbey church which hosts contemporary art exhibitions in the summer.
- Bellelay is also home to la Tête de Moine cheese, there is a small museum where you can learn about cheese production and of course a shop and café!
3. Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel (CDN)
Location: Neuchâtel
Date opened: 2000
- Writer Friedrich Dürrenmatt moved to this house in the upper part of Neuchâtel in 1952. He lived and worked until his death on 14 December 1990.
- He was also an artist but this was relatively unknown until after his death. I was surprised by the volume and variety of his works and the large circular exhibition space is the perfect place to show his art.
- Botta held Dürrenmatt in high regard and immediately accepted when the federal government commissioned him to design the museum.
- The original house has been integrated into the design and from the at the entrance the new building is mostly hidden in the landscape. It is only when you view the building from below that you see it in all its glory.
Other things to do in the area:
- The Botanical Garden is located next door to the museum and it definitely worth walking through, either on the way up to or down from the museum.
4. Tinguely Museum
Location: Basel
Date opened: 1996, it is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year
- Four areas of different architectural design on four levels.
- There is a huge central hall which is perfect for exhibiting Tinguely’s large mechanical sculptures. There is space for 25 of them!
- My favourite part of the building is the wonderful, glass walkway with views of the Rhine.
Other things to do in the area: Basel is full of fantastic museums, discover them here. One of my favourites is the Museum der Kulturen read my review of it here.
5. Fiore di Pietra (Stone Flower)
Location: Monte Generoso, Ticino
Date opened: 2017
- Botta grew up at the bottom of Monte Generoso and when he was young he used to walk up to the top and camp overnight so he could watch the sunrise.
- It is located at the top of an old rack railway which dates to 1890 and is the quickest way to reach the top. I got off at a middle station and walked the rest to reach the top (took about an hour).
- It is an octagonal building with each section representing a stone ‘petal’. Inside there are restaurants and conference facilities.
- The 360 degree views are incredible. On a clear day you can see the alps and across to the lakes of northern Italy.
What have a missed? Where should I visit next? Let me know your tips in the comments below.