Sargans Castle, Sargans, Switzerland

Beginning in 982 the Sargans region was part of the lands of the Counts of Bregenz. In 1160, the male line of the Counts of Bregenz died out. Count palatine Hugo of Türbingen inherited most of their lands, through his wife Elisabeth. His son, Hugo, inherited the Bregenz lands around Lake Constance, including Sargans. This Hugo, who adopted the name Montfort und Werdenberg built or expanded Sargans Castle before his death in 1228. Excavations around the oldest part of the castle show that there was an earlier fort or castle, but nothing is known about that building. Hugo built the large bergfried, expanded the walls to the west and may have built a palas on that side of the castle.

In the mid-13th century the Montfort und Werdenberg lands were divided between Hugo of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg and his brother Hartmann of Werdenberg-Sargans. Hartmann took up residence in the castle and probably expanded the palas. The castle was first mentioned in 1282. Over the following century the wealth and lands of the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans were divided over and over again between descendants. By the last 14th century, Count Johann I ruled over a small and poor county under the Habsburgs. In the Battle of Näfels in 1388, the count commanded a wing of the Austrian army that was supposed to cross the Kerenzerberg Pass. However, when he saw the threatened destruction of the main Austrian army, he fled back over the pass. The cost of the war, as well as other expenses forced Johann I to sell the castle and village to Leopold of Austria.

References:

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User Reviews

Márton Lukács (13 months ago)
Beautiful views of the surrounding areas from this old castle. There is also a historical museum and a restaurant in the castle.

Philip Djaferis (13 months ago)
Nice historic castle with restaurant facilities and friendly staff!

Volodymyr Zaiets (18 months ago)
I like Sargans castle because it is small and beautiful. The castle has a rich history starting from roman empire and following-by medieval ages. It is a real castle where a single family lived safely. It is allowed to visit a yard free of charge. There are two guns and a picturesque view to nearby valley and mountains. Also there are two museums at the castle: at a restaurant and at a tower. A museum at the restaurant exposes a collection of swiss weapon and medieval kitchen gear. Especially is interesting a collection of swiss army rifles wich covers several hundreds of years. A museum at the tower has not so rich exposition,, but it is very interactive. It is very pleasant for children to dress like a princess or like a knight, to build a tower or to shoot from a bow.

Notis Chaldaios (21 months ago)
Sargans Castle visit. Sargans Castle, located in the charming town of Sargans, is a magnificent fortress that dates back to the 13th century. The castle is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the region's rich history and stunning natural beauty. During my recent visit to the castle, I was amazed by the picturesque setting, filled with sunshine and breathtaking mountain views. After arriving at the castle, I took a nice walk around its sprawling grounds, taking in the fresh mountain air and admiring the stunning views of the surrounding hills. The castle's well-maintained gardens, featuring a variety of colorful plants and flowers, provided a serene and relaxing atmosphere that was perfect for a leisurely stroll. Upon entering the castle, I was struck by its impressive architecture and design. The castle's interior was a marvel to behold, with its intricate stonework and ornate decor, giving me a glimpse of what life was like during the Middle Ages. From the castle's vantage point, I could see the town of Sargans below, surrounded by majestic mountains that loomed in the distance. The view was simply breathtaking, and I spent a long time just taking it all in. Overall, my visit to Sargans Castle was an unforgettable experience, filled with sunshine, mountain views, and a nice walk. If you ever find yourself in the region, I highly recommend taking the time to explore this magnificent fortress and its beautiful surroundings.

Siewling Lay (2 years ago)
Nice views of the mountains around and the town below the castle. The castle itself is not big and the museum was already closed for the season when I visited. Still worth a visit and just a short walk from the train station.

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