Rapperswil Castle, Medieval castle in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
Rapperswil Castle is a medieval stone castle on a hill above the old town of Rapperswil-Jona in Switzerland, built around three towers with a central courtyard. The grounds slope down on the north side into a deer park, while the southern face holds terraced grapevines.
Construction of the castle began in 1220 under Count Rudolf II and his son Rudolf III of Rapperswil. The structure was heavily restored in the 19th century, which gave it much of the form it has today.
Inside the castle, a Polish museum has kept a strong connection to Poland alive since the 19th century. Visitors can walk through rooms dedicated to Polish history and art, which draws Polish visitors from across Europe.
The castle is reached by a staircase from the old town, and the grounds are open throughout the year at no charge. The climb is steep, so sturdy shoes are a good idea, especially in wet weather.
The castle holds an A-class rating as a Swiss cultural property of national significance, placing it among the country's most protected historic sites. Yet for most visitors, it feels more like a local hilltop destination than a nationally listed monument.
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