Thunstetten Castle, Louis XIV style château in Thunstetten, Switzerland.
Thunstetten Castle is a Louis XIV style château featuring a main building with two long wings that form three sides of a courtyard. The ensemble is framed by a surrounding wall and entrance pavilion, displaying the classical French architectural style of the early 18th century.
The castle was built between 1713 and 1715 by architect Joseph Abeille for Hieronymus von Erlach, a colonel who had served in French and Austrian armies. Its construction followed his retirement from military service and marked his transition to country life.
The ceiling paintings in the main salon were created by Johann Brandenberg and depict scenes of military service alongside the owner's transition to country life. These artworks tell the story of a man moving from soldier to country gentleman.
The castle has been maintained by the Thunstetten Castle Foundation since 1971 and serves as a venue for exhibitions, seminars, and private celebrations. The property is open throughout the year and offers various spaces for different types of events.
The property shaped the baroque gardens of the region with a garden designed according to André Le Nôtre principles, featuring double rows of trees in geometric patterns. This garden design was among the first of its kind in the Bern region and influenced later garden layouts in the area.
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