Three Certainties

TRAVELING around Europe, one gets the impression three things in life are certain: death, taxes and Irish bars.

Sure enough, Davos has the Irish-themed Sonas pub

But frequently there is a fourth certainty - an English-built or inspired public building.

Sometimes this is a hotel, often called Bristol, or a church.

In Davos the most obvious English landmark is the Englische Kirche, built in 1882.

According to the official guide: "The Church of England is all about health tourism.

"Around 1880, tuberculosis, which was still often fatal at the time, was raging in Europe.

"So many English people sought the mountain air of Davos in the hope of getting well.

"To express faith in Jesus Christ and life after death, the English Church was planned, built and consecrated in 1882 in a central location on the promenade."

Today the church is run by Switzerland's Free Evangelicals

A plaque near the main entrance is a reminder of the English connection