Rapperswil Oldtown, Medieval city center in Rapperswil, Switzerland
Rapperswil's old town is a medieval center with a castle perched on a rocky rise, surrounded by narrow lanes that lead toward the northern shore of Lake Zurich. The buildings form a compact townscape with historic structures and squares that reflect the layout of a medieval fortified settlement.
Construction of the castle began in 1220 as a strategic stronghold to monitor trade routes between Zurich and Graubünden. This fortress was crucial to the town's development and shaped its importance as a major crossroads during the Middle Ages.
The castle housed a Polish museum from 1870 to 1927 that collected important artifacts from Polish history. This chapter still shapes the town's identity today and marks its role in preserving European cultural heritage.
The old town is easily navigable on foot with paved pedestrian paths that are comfortable to walk. Along the way you will find restaurants, cafes, and shops throughout the lanes, plus several places to stay directly within the historic center.
The grounds contain around 15,000 rose plants in about 600 varieties that bloom from June to October across several gardens. This floral collection is an unexpected addition to the medieval architecture and draws visitors during the flowering season.
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