History. Culture. Language.
Marco Gilly
Chasa Jaura - a place of encounter
Marco Gilly takes his time before he speaks. He thinks and chooses his words carefully.
Identity requires awareness. Young people don't often look back. That only comes later. When they do, they need to confront and discuss cultural values. A museum can help people to deal with their own cultural identity.
However, Chasa Jaura is more than just a museum. It is a place of encounter. The culture of the valley, the way of life of the people who only a few decades ago worked mainly in agriculture, is made accessible in an authentic way. Visitors to the museum's listed farmhouse can get a clear idea of how people once lived in Val Müstair in the parlor, which dates back to the 16th century, or in the kitchen.
A varied and high-quality cultural program, on the other hand, offers locals and guests alike the opportunity to explore contemporary art exhibitions, enjoy concerts and immerse themselves in readings at evening events.
As President of Chasa Jaura, Marco Gilly takes care of all kinds of issues. In collaboration with Robert Grossmann, the director of the cultural program, he looks for new offers, organizes financial resources for the operation, the recurring renovation work and for the general support of Chasa Jaura. He pursues cultural policy in cooperation with the canton, the Office for Culture and other local partners, and ultimately also ensures that the lawn is mowed.
Senda da las linguas - for the Romansh language
Pella lingua rumantscha. Only around 60,000 people still speak Romansh, a language that evolved from Latin. Around 15 BC, the Romans founded the province of Rhaetia, an area between the Rhaetian Alps and the Danube. Over time, the Latin they spoke mixed with the regional languages, giving rise to Romansh, which is still used today in Val Müstair and other parts of Graubünden as Switzerland's fourth national language. Five regional variants, so-called idioms, have developed from this. Vallader" is spoken in the Lower Engadine and Val Müstair. The people of Münstertal lend the idiom their own charm with the dialect "Jauer".
On July 8, 2023, the new audio theme trail "Senda da las linguas", which was developed together with the Biosfera Val Müstair, will be officially opened during a vernissage in the Chasa Jaura. Marco Gilly welcomes the audience as president.
Today it is about culture, language and identity, a meaning of the young approach to language. It is obvious that the "Senda da las linguas" shows the power of identity and self-confidence in a light-hearted way.
The new adventure trail runs idyllically around the museum in Valchava on a short, very scenic circular hike, with many panoramic views of the valley. 11 audio stations provide an insight into the Romansh language, the local area with its field names and bring visitors closer to the linguistic culture of Val Müstair in an artistic way, with the inclusion of poetry and musical elements. The audio files can be easily listened to with a smartphone at each station. In addition, the "Hearonymus" app shows the route and also includes a guided tour of the Chasa Jaura.
In action for people
In contrast to the seemingly harmonious Val Müstair is an earlier phase of Marco Gilly's life. For many years, the geology graduate worked for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). As a water and sanitation consultant, he implemented strategies and projects to improve access to drinking water in rural areas of Guinea and coordinated access to water in refugee camps in eastern Chad.
Marco Gilly's time in Guinea was particularly influential. His office at the time was located in a building on the Atlantic Ocean. The difficult living conditions of the local people gave him food for thought. The water was sometimes knee-high on the streets and everything was shrouded in a thick fog.
You couldn't see the sun or the stars. I was aware of how important light is.
Quality of life
All the more reason for Marco Gilly to appreciate the tranquillity and landscape in Val Müstair. Everything is very close together. In contrast to large conurbations, you don't have to walk for miles to get out into nature and enjoy it.
No more stress in Val Müstair.
He can also switch off while working in the garden, which belongs to the "Chasa Gallas" in Tschierv. The historic house has been in the family for generations. The building was carefully renovated over 10 years ago. During the demolition at the time, Marco Gilly kept discovering finds such as documents. What did the people who previously lived in this house do? What were their challenges? He would like to write down the history of the "Chasa Gallas". Because roots, history and identity are important. These are Marco Gilly's core interests.
Text & Pictures: Dominik Täuber.
Video: On Air AG