Worb Castle, Medieval castle in Worb, Switzerland
Worb Castle is a medieval fortress featuring a main keep, a large hall for gatherings, a knight's residence, and additional structures built over time. A Baroque wing added in 1643 extends the complex along the outer wall, showing how the residence expanded with changing needs.
The fortress was founded in 1130 and remained under the von Diesbach family for generations before passing to the von Graffenried family through marriage in the late 1500s. That family continued to inhabit and shape the castle for centuries afterward.
The castle shows how Swiss noble families lived and adapted their homes across the centuries as needs and tastes changed. The Baroque addition from 1643 sits alongside the older stone walls, marking a shift in how people wanted to live.
The castle remains privately owned and has limited visitor access, so planning ahead is important before traveling there. Check local information or contact the property in advance to learn about visiting conditions and what parts might be open to the public.
Christopher von Graffenried, born within these walls, founded New Bern in North Carolina in 1710 and became a notable colonial leader. His venture was one of the first Swiss colonization projects in North America, linking this castle to early American history.
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