Munot Fortress
Schaffhausen
Munot Fortress is a remarkable circular fortification built between 1564 and 1589 on Emmersberg hill in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Designed under the influence of Albrecht Dürer's fortress concepts, it features a hexagonal trench with defensive caponiers, circular casemates, and a battlement platform crowned by a tower approximately 50 meters high. Originally part of the city's defensive system, the fortress was constructed partly through compulsory labor and cost the equivalent of about 800 city houses. Though it saw military action only once during the 1799 siege, Munot remains an iconic symbol of Schaffhausen. The site is surrounded by vineyards cultivated since the early 20th century and hosts a fallow deer colony in its moat. The fortress is also known for the tradition of the Guardian of the Munot, who rings the bell nightly at 9 p.m., a ritual dating back to 1377. Today, Munot hosts cultural events such as open-air operas, balls, and festivals, maintained by the Munotverein society, which has preserved the fortress for over 180 years.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Munot Fortress is during the warmer months when cultural events like Munotballs, open-air operas, and festivals take place. Visitors can reach the fortress on foot from Schaffhausen's city center or via regular bus lines 4 and 8. It is advisable to check the official website for event schedules and consider purchasing tickets in advance for special events. The fortress grounds are accessible without entrance fees, and guided tours are available through local organizations. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children.
Faits intéressants
- •Munot's circular design was inspired by the fortress concepts of Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer.
- •The fortress was built partly through compulsory labor known as Frondienst.
- •A fallow deer colony was introduced into the Munot moat in 1905 and remains a unique feature of the site.
- •The Guardian of the Munot has traditionally lived in the tower, ringing the bell every evening at 9 p.m. to signal the closing of city gates and shops, a ritual continuing since 1377.
- •Munot was only involved in military action once, during the 1799 siege in the Napoleonic Wars.
- •The fortress walls are up to 4 meters thick, with a battlement platform and a tower rising 15 meters above the main structure.
- •Munot is surrounded by vineyards that have been cultivated since the early 20th century.
Histoire
The Munot site has been fortified since at least 1098, originally known as Annot or Unot.
The current circular fortress was constructed between 1564 and 1589 under city architect Heinrich Schwarz, reflecting Renaissance military architecture influenced by Albrecht Dürer.
The fortress was part of Schaffhausen's city defenses but saw action only once during the 1799 siege by Austrian forces against the French occupiers.
After sustaining damage during this siege, Munot lost military significance and fell into disrepair until restoration efforts began in 1826, led by Johann Jakob Beck.
Since then, the fortress has been preserved as a cultural monument and symbol of the city.
Guide du lieu
Main Fortress Structure1564-1589
The circular stone fortress with 4-meter-thick walls and a diameter of 50 meters features a hexagonal trench, defensive caponiers with stone domes, and a battlement platform. Visitors can explore the interior casemates and the rooftop battlement offering panoramic views of Schaffhausen.
Munot Tower and Bell16th century
The tower rises about 15 meters above the fortress platform and houses the bell rung nightly by the Guardian of the Munot, marking the traditional closing time of the city gates and shops at 9 p.m.
Moat and Fallow Deer Colony1905 (deer introduction)
The dry moat surrounding the fortress hosts a colony of fallow deer introduced in 1905. The moat also contains caponiers with stone domes protecting artillery positions, a construction ahead of its time.
Vineyards Around MunotEarly 20th century onward
Surrounding the fortress are vineyards cultivated primarily with Pinot Gris and Blauburgunder grapes, contributing to the cultural landscape and offering scenic walking paths up to the fortress.
Contact
Téléphone: 052 625 42 25