Praz
Intro
The wine-growing village of Praz can be found nestled between the north-western shore of Lake Murten and the foot of Mont Vully. It boasts a large number of majestic vintner houses.
Praz was once part of the Murten estate. Its name is derived from the Latin word “pratum” – meaning meadow. Nestled between the hilly landscape and idyllic Lake Murten, Praz has been spared from significant structural development. Its historic village centre is still surrounded by extensive vineyards which shape its character, and it stands out picturesquely from the dramatic backdrop of Mont Vully.
The village extends along three streets running parallel to the lake. There are several well-preserved old vintner houses from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries here. Three particularly impressive examples stand like guard posts at key points in the heart of the village: the Steiger House, the Erlach-Velga House and the Wattenwyl House. Along the street that follows the lake shore, several farms bear witness to the importance of vegetable cultivation, which has always been a key livelihood in Praz alongside viticulture. Squares and other gaps between the houses that afford wonderful views of the lake break up the otherwise very dense village centre.
ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
