Schwyz
Overview
-
Hint
-
Intro
The historic town of Schwyz is also the cantonal capital. It is located at the foot of the gentle sloping hillside of the Grosser and Kleiner Mythen mountains and has one of the most impressive Baroque era squares in Switzerland.
The first documented mention of the place dates back to as early as the year 972 – when it was still known as “Suittes”. Up until the 17th century, Schwyz consisted almost exclusively of wooden buildings. These fell victim to a village fire at Easter in 1642. Within four hours, the entire centre and almost a third of the village was destroyed. Stone was therefore used when the town was subsequently rebuilt.
Today, the central town hall square is particularly worth seeing. It boasts many architecturally and historically valuable buildings, most of which date back to the Baroque period. This also includes the impressive parish church, which towers over the lively roofscape, and the town hall, a large building adorned with beautiful historical frescoes. The two buildings are linked by a cobblestone square.
The centre is flanked by the Capuchin monastery to the west and the Dominican convent to the east. Magnificent family seats from the 16th to 18th centuries, such as the famous Reding House, can be found around the town centre. Uphill in the background there is a gently rising sloped meadow with numerous stables, trees and delicate wall constructions, which merge into the steep rock faces of the Mythen.
At the town’s gates, the imposing Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation stands proudly atop a wide set of steps, its gable façade with impressive murals facing down towards the valley.
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.
Discover the surroundings
Contact
Tourist Info Schwyz
Zeughausstrasse 5
6430
Schwyz
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)41 825 00 40
info@brunnen-schwyz.ch
erlebnisregion-mythen.ch
Plan your route