Greifensee Castle, Medieval castle in Greifensee, Switzerland
Greifensee Castle rises on a hilltop with stone walls and towers characteristic of medieval defensive structures. The complex combines a rectangular main building with additional structures and a surrounding wall that once protected the entire site.
The castle was built in the late 12th century by the House of Rapperswil as a defensive stronghold. After 1520 it became the residence of Landvögte, officials who administered the region on behalf of Zurich.
The castle served as a seat for local administrators who governed the surrounding region from its rooms and courtyards. You can still observe how the spaces were organized to support this governing function.
The location sits at the southern end of Lake Greifensee and is accessible by public transport. The nearest train station connects you quickly to Zurich and other nearby areas.
In 1444 the complex endured a prolonged siege during the Old Zurich War, putting its defenses to the test. The damage from that siege influenced how the castle was rebuilt and reinforced afterward.
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