Schloss Oberberg, Heritage château in Gossau, Switzerland.
Schloss Oberberg is a medieval château with a defensive tower incorporating emblems of St. Gallen Abbey and regional nobility into its stonework. The building combines fortress elements with later residential features that developed as its function changed over centuries.
The castle was built in 1260 as a fortress to defend the Prince-Abbot's territory against the Bishop of Konstanz and was destroyed in 1406 during the Appenzell Wars. It was rebuilt afterward and then served for centuries as an administrative center for regional rulers.
The castle served as residence and seat of justice for the Prince-Abbot's representatives, reflecting its role as a center of regional power. The emblems carved into its walls represent the ties between St. Gallen Abbey and the local nobility.
The castle now houses a restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday with seasonal menus available. For tours or private visits, it is best to check ahead as access depends on restaurant operations and event schedules.
After a fire in 1955, the castle was restored following its use as a cheese factory, embroidery workshop, and printing studio in the preceding century. This varied industrial past shows how the building adapted to the region's changing economic needs.
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