Trogen
Intro
Trogen, one of the most impressive villages in Appenzellerland, enjoys an idyllic setting on the crest of a hill at the foot of the mountain of Gäbris. The village has become well-known for its Pestalozzi Children's Village, among other things.
Description
The municipality, situated 903m above sea level, lies high above the left bank of the Goldach river atop a hill, in the middle of the unique, hilly Appenzeller landscape.
The appearance of the village is characterised by a blend of urbanity and village charm, and is closely linked with the history of the Zellweger merchant family. After making their fortune in the linen and cotton trade, they built palatial stone mansions for themselves. The entire village centre is occupied by these mighty, classicist buildings with the typical windows, set closely together, which give the village its unique urban appearance. Even today, they contrast strongly with the historic Appenzeller timber-framed houses, which line the two laneways that extend outwards from Landsgemeindeplatz, the central village square.
The Pestalozzi Children's Village constructed here in the 1940s brought Trogen renown that extended far beyond the borders of Switzerland. The children's village, which was built after World War 2, was intended to be a home and educational centre for orphans from countries affected by the War. You can find out how the Pestalozzi Children's Village came into being and what this idyllic place means for young people today and the visitors' 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.
