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Ecovillage & Sanctuary

Terra Vecchia - Bordei, Swiss Alps

A mountain sanctuary for retreats, contemplative stays and social activities

Ecovillage & Sanctuary

Located in the middle of the enchanting Alpine valley of Centovalli, in the Swiss canton of Ticino on the border with Italy, the two villages of Terra Vecchia and Bordei form our unique ecovillage & sanctuary. Bordei is the centre for social activities and retreats, while Terra Vecchia houses the  sanctuary. Together, the two authentic Ticino villages form a unique ensemble for social activities, a restaurant, relaxing and contemplative stays and retreats that invigorate body, mind and soul. The “Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei” is a place of encounter, residence and refuge where people of all ages, backgrounds and spiritual orientations are inspired to lead a meaningful life in harmony with themselves, society and nature. Everyone is welcome to visit us, take part in activities, spend a holiday, enjoy the culinary delights at the Osteria Giardino or get involved by volunteering.

The Ecovillage

In Bordei we organize seminars and host a variety of social activities and retreats, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Mindfulness, Ayurveda, wood carving, gardening and alternative medicine. The organic farm and gardens provide some of the produce for our fine vegetarian restaurant Osteria Giardino Bordei, directed by Pietro Leemann. In the majestic surroundings, we placed two large geodesic domes for seminars and yoga classes. You are invited to host your own retreat here or join any of our retreats.

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Sustainability

Sanctuary of inner fulfilment.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary at Terra Vecchia is an oasis for communal living with a clear purpose, offering both short and long-term stays. The Sanctuary, led by Swami Shri Rupa Madhava Maharaja (V.I. Streisand), is imbued with a spirit of devotion, simplicity and an openness to all spiritual paths, with a focus on bhakti (loving devotional service) and kirtan (spiritual chanting). Guests are invited to participate in the daily activities and follow one of the seminars on offer, or simply spend some time in the peace and quiet of the place. The Terra Vecchia Sanctuary works with various educational organizations (such as the Oxford University) to create an authentic spiritual learning experience.

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  • info@ecovillagesanctuary.org
  • 6657 Palagnedra - Bordei, Switzerland
  • +41 79 300 91 37

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Sustainability

The Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei is based on the concept of sustainable development of the UN (Brundtland Report, 1987, World Commission on Environment and Development, WCED) and on a harmonious relationship between nature, people and the environment. Man is meant to watch over nature and its inhabitants with mindfulness and responsibility, which also corresponds to the Vedic concept of “Dharma.” This balance creates space for the development of inner qualities. With the Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei, new paths are being innovatively taken in the two Ticino villages towards a culture that is suitable for our grandchildren. In the area under the influence of the Fondazione Terra Vecchia Bordei, and in particular in the Osteria Giardino Bordei, vegetarian food is to be cooked and only organic food is to be produced. This particularly applies to the foundation’s own Organic Mountain Farm with 21 hectares of land. Environmentally friendly and economically sensible measures are at the forefront of the operation of the properties: heating is provided by wood from the surrounding forests and solar energy. All properties are to be made more energy efficient in the next few years

Cuisine

The food we serve in our retreat center is vegetarian and primarily plant based. We follow the principles of healthy cooking and respects the planet and its inhabitants. The menus for the retreats were designed by Pietro Leemann, who studied Ayurveda and Chinese dietetics.  

We serve 2 meals are served each day, a brunch at 10 in the morning and a dinner at 17.30 in the afternoon (timings can adapt on request). Our meals are freshly cooked with organic ingredients (if possible from our own garden) and a variation of vegetables, fruits, grains, and vegetable proteins. Each meal will have gluten free options avialable.

Herbal tea and cecaf cofee are available througout the day, and we will also serve a light snack in the afternoon between meals in our tea room.

Herbal tea and cecaf cofee are available througout the day, and we will also serve a light snack in the afternoon between meals in our tea room.

History

Two hundred years ago, the village of Raxa was abandoned as its inhabitants relocated to Rasa. Over time, the houses fell into ruin, and the area came to be known as Terra Vecchia. Seventy years ago, a similar fate befell Bordei. Young people moved to the cities, leaving the town inhabited only by the elderly, who eventually passed away.

In the late 1960s, Jürg Zbinden, an ambitious and idealistic eighteen-year-old, visited the area and fell in love with the two remote villages. With a utopian vision, he dreamed of bringing them back to life. Miraculously, through his artistic and artisan skills and the support of numerous patrons, the villages began to flourish once more.

Over the last fifty years, many successful social projects have emerged, and the rebirth of these villages has been a remarkable achievement. Now in his later years, Jürg Zbinden decided to pass on the leadership of the Foundation. By a fortunate coincidence, a group promoting a new vision for the project presented their ideas, which were enthusiastically embraced.

The foundation is set to begin construction on the next phase in 2024, with activities scheduled to launch in the spring of 2025. Building on its rich history, the concept for the villages centers on creating an eco-village with a strong social and spiritual focus. It will be a space open to an evolving society, while also serving as a retreat for personal regeneration and a hub for learning essential life skills.

The Fondazione Terra Vecchia – Bordei owns the sites, which include 35 hectares of arable land, five houses offering 30 beds in Raxa, and six houses with a restaurant and 40 beds in Bordei. Several promising development projects and prospects for the two villages are supported by patrons and other foundations. Those interested in contributing are welcome to contact us.