Villa Morillon

Villa Morillon is a manor house with stables, sheds, and a dovecote situated on landscaped grounds near Bern. The complex comprises several buildings arranged to form a complete farmyard ensemble.

The estate was founded in 1732 when Rudolf Emanuel Frisching purchased the land and constructed a three-wing complex with a court of honor. A major reconstruction in 1832 transformed the buildings with new architectural ideas from Italy.

The property holds the highest level of cultural protection in Switzerland, showing how wealthy families designed their country estates to display their status. The architecture reflects how the upper classes expressed themselves through impressive buildings.

The renovated estate now contains offices and hosts cultural events including concerts, exhibitions, and lectures open to the public. The grounds are best explored on foot, allowing visitors to move between the different buildings and outdoor areas.

The 1832 reconstruction drew direct inspiration from a celebrated Italian architectural work, with builders adapting it to Swiss building traditions and requirements. This blending of southern European design with local practices makes the estate a remarkable example of cross-cultural influence from that era.