Greifensee Castle

Greifensee, Switzerland

The Counts of Rapperswil probably built a defense tower in the early 12th century on the site of today's Greifensee Castle. The beginnings of Greifensee Castle, which was partially destroyed in May 1444 (during the so-called Old Zürich War), date back to around 1250. The castle complex consisted of a Palas on a rock , which at the time stood directly on the lake shore and was protected on the other sides by a moat and ring wall. In 1520, the Zürich Council decided to rebuild the ruins to a modest castle.

After thorough renovation, the castle is now available to the public for conferences, seminars, lectures, presentations, receptions, courses, small concerts, exhibitions, cocktails and private events (banquets, weddings). You may also rent single rooms only.

Address

Im Städtli 24, Greifensee, Switzerland

See all sites in Greifensee

Details

Founded: c. 1250
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.zuerioberland-tourismus.ch

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Phil Fuhrmann (6 months ago)
We do seminars here for work. It's a wonderful place if you like this kind of thing. Staff is very friendly and trying to help with everything.

Pedro Constam (10 months ago)
Beautiful place at the lake!

Ross H (5 years ago)
Nice simple ‘castle’ but much more a beautiful big house. The gardens and park adjacent are lovely, especially right next to the lake. There is a bbq area and plenty places to sit. Great place to swim too. 10-15mins walk from the train station, with regular connections to Zurich and Uster.

Flavor Tucson (6 years ago)
Neat little castle on the lake with nice views!

Ursula K (6 years ago)
Beautiful historic castle that also houses exhibits and events once in a while. The location on the lake is beautiful. Nice to come here to walk or cycle.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.