Rapperswil Castle
Sankt Gallen
Rapperswil Castle, constructed between 1200 and 1230 by the House of Rapperswil, stands on a rocky peninsula overlooking Lake Zurich's Obersee in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The castle's strategic location allowed control over the waterway between Walensee and Lake Zurich, as well as key medieval routes including the Gotthard Pass and the pilgrimage Way of St. James. Its nearly equilateral triangular layout features three fortified towers: the Bergfried (Gügeliturm), Zeitturm with its bells and sundial, and the Pulverturm, interconnected by defensive walls. The castle overlooks the medieval old town of Rapperswil and is adjacent to the Stadtpfarrkirche and the former small castle now serving as the Stadtmuseum. After destruction in 1350 during a failed coup linked to Count Johann II, the castle was rebuilt by Duke Albrecht II of Austria. It later became a Swiss Confederation administrative and military site. In 1870, Polish émigré Count Wladyslaw Broel-Plater restored the castle and established the Polish National Museum within its walls, preserving Polish culture in exile. The castle also features a summer garden restaurant in its courtyard and a herb garden on its eastern side. Listed as a Class A cultural property of national importance, Rapperswil Castle remains a significant historical and cultural landmark in Switzerland.
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Astuce: Visit Rapperswil Castle during the warmer months to enjoy the courtyard garden restaurant and herb garden. Advance ticket purchase is recommended when the Polish National Museum is open. The castle is accessible year-round, but spring to early autumn offers the best weather and views. Check for museum opening hours and potential closures. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets or discounts if available during special exhibitions or events.
Faits intéressants
- •The castle is built from sandstone quarried from nearby Lützelau island.
- •The castle's Zeitturm houses three bells tuned to e2, fis2, and ais2, along with two large clock faces and a sundial.
- •The castle's courtyard is used as a garden restaurant during summer months.
- •The Eis-zwei-Geissebei Carnival festival in Rapperswil may commemorate the 1350 siege and destruction of the town and castle.
- •The castle served as a prison and military base under Swiss Confederation administration until 1798.
Histoire
Rapperswil Castle was built in the early 13th century by Count Rudolf II of Rapperswil and his son, marking the relocation of the noble family from Altendorf to the strategic peninsula.
The castle and town were destroyed in 1350 after a failed coup against Zurich, but quickly rebuilt by Duke Albrecht II of Austria.
Ownership changed hands through marriages and political shifts, eventually becoming property of the city of Rapperswil in 1442.
From 1458 to 1798, it served as an administrative and military base under Swiss Confederation control.
By the 19th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair until Polish émigré Count Wladyslaw Broel-Plater leased and restored it in 1870, founding the Polish National Museum that remains a cultural symbol.
Guide du lieu
Bergfried (Gügeliturm)14th century
The highest tower located in the southwest corner of the castle, historically the seat of the chief watchman who used horn signals to warn the town and castle inhabitants of danger or fire.
Zeitturm15th century
The southeast pentagonal tower featuring three bells tuned e2, fis2, and ais2, two large clock faces, and a sundial that marks the time.
Pulverturm14th century
The northwest tower connected to the two southern towers by defensive walkways, historically used for powder storage.
Castle Courtyard and Garden Restaurant
The enclosed courtyard accessible via a western portal, used as a garden restaurant during summer, offering visitors a scenic and relaxing atmosphere within the castle walls.
Herb Garden
Located on the eastern side of the castle complex but outside the main triangular building, the herb garden adds botanical interest and historical authenticity to the castle grounds.