Compesières Commandry, Medieval commandry in Bardonnex, Switzerland.
Compesières Commandry is a medieval fortress in Bardonnex with thick stone walls, an internal courtyard, and architectural elements from different construction periods spanning several centuries. The building now houses the town hall, a school, parish offices, and a museum dedicated to the Order of Malta.
First mentioned in 1270, the commandry served as headquarters for the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem in the Geneva region for several centuries. This center lost its original purpose after 1792 when the region underwent significant transformation.
The Knights' Hall displays 165 painted coffers on its ceiling with religious symbols and heraldic designs from the medieval period. These artworks tell the story of the order's importance to the region and the craftsmanship of that era.
The site is best visited during regular opening hours when the museum is accessible to visitors. It helps to check ahead which areas are open since the building serves multiple functions.
During the French Revolution, the commandry was transformed into a saltpeter factory after its towers and church steeple were demolished. This unexpected repurposing shows how the building survived turbulent times.
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