The first documented reference to the city of Schwyz dates as far back as the year 972. In 1642 a fire destroyed nearly all houses, only a few buildings survived the catastrophe, including House "Bethlehem", which was built in the year 1287.
Today baroque parish churches and manor-houses line the large square at the core of the city. This is where the Schwyz museums, such as the Forum of Swiss History, a modern, multimedia museum housed in old armory walls, are located. No less than 800 exhibits from all over Switzerland document the life of Swiss Confederates between 1300 and 1800. The Federal Postal Museum houses all originals of federal letters dated 1291 to 1513, and numerous other documents pertaining to Swiss history.
Today baroque parish churches and manor-houses line the large square at the core of the city. This is where the Schwyz museums, such as the Forum of Swiss History, a modern, multimedia museum housed in old armory walls, are located. No less than 800 exhibits from all over Switzerland document the life of Swiss Confederates between 1300 and 1800. The Federal Postal Museum houses all originals of federal letters dated 1291 to 1513, and numerous other documents pertaining to Swiss history.
1 Comments
Kim Stewart
Does anyone know if the town of Schwyz was once called Zeiss? I am tracing my family history and have some information that the Zeissloff family was from this town and it was once called Zeiss. The Zeissloff family to America in 1736. They came from Saltzbourg in an area near the Rhine River, they left when France took control of the area. Any information on the Zeissloff family in Switzerland is much appreciated.
Monday, Sep 12, 2011 9:23 PM