Greifensee Castle, Medieval castle in Greifensee, Switzerland
Greifensee Castle is a medieval fortress on the southern shore of Lake Greifensee, in the canton of Zurich. It consists of a rectangular main building flanked by towers and enclosed by a stone wall that runs around the entire grounds.
The castle was built in the late 12th century by the counts of Rapperswil to control the surrounding region. From 1520 onward it served as the official seat of the Landvögte, administrators appointed by Zurich to govern the area.
Greifensee Castle stands at the heart of the small town that shares its name, giving the place a strong sense of historical identity. Local events are held on the grounds during the year, drawing visitors who want to experience the medieval setting firsthand.
The castle sits at the southern tip of Lake Greifensee and can be reached on foot from the nearby village center. A walk along the lakeshore gives a clear view of the outer walls and towers before you enter the grounds.
In 1444 the defenders of the castle surrendered after a prolonged siege during the Old Zurich War, and most of them were executed shortly after. This episode is known as the Massacre of Greifensee and is still referenced in Swiss history.
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