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.
The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.