Varen, Switzerland
Varen ( Valais German: Faru; French: Varonne ) is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The economy is dominated by viticulture.
The name Varen is composed of the Celtic terms ver ( o) (top) and corona ( rim, gorge ) and aptly describes the geographical location above the gorge was.
History
Archaeological excavations testify to a settlement as early as the Bronze Age ( 8th century BC). Is first mentioned Varen in 1241 in a deed of sale of a vineyard. 1543 the by-laws were written down.
On the battle of Pfynwald 1799 many French invaders were thrown into the gorge. In revenge, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was burned down in a row and built from 1800-1804 again.
In 1990, the new link road Varen - Leuk was opened on the newly built Dalabrücke.
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
The built simultaneously with the parish church was founded in 1783 almost completely destroyed in the Battle of Pfyn. From 1800 to 1804 it was rebuilt and expanded in 1870 by two galleries. The two earthquakes in 1946 and 1960 directed to such damage that the church then had to be rebuilt.
The present church is a unique building, built according to plans by architect Walter Feliser. The old tower was retained and is now surrounded by a polygonal room with six pages. The stained glass windows were designed by Anton mother.
The wine village
About 1'000'000L wine are produced annually on an area of 132ha per year in Varen. In addition to typical Valais vines cornalin, Chasselas, Johannisberg, the indigenous Arvine or Humagne Rouge and Blanc Humagne also specialties such as Gwäss ( Gouais ) and splashers are grown.
The village has ten wineries that are performed exclusively as family businesses.
Every year in late September, the Pfyfoltru wine festival instead. The Pfyfoltru ( Valais German for Butterfly) is the symbol for the Valais wine village and is at the same time for a special Pinot Noir, which is only produced under certain conditions in and around Varen.
Personalities
- Gilbert Loretan ( born 1963 ), the Grand Council ( 2001-2013 ), Grand Council President ( 2009-2010 )
- Brigitte Albrecht- Loretan (born 1970 in Lax VS), residing in Varen, former cross-country skier
- Didier Plaschy (born 1973 ), former Swiss ski racer
Gallery
Varen from the east
Varnerbriggu from Leuk to Varen