Eglisau
Intro
The country town of Eglisau lies nestled between a vineyard slope and the Rhine. The former castle district on the other side of the river affords glorious views of the old town.
Description
Eglisau was founded in the 13th century on the banks of the Rhine, the waters of which have shaped the landscape for millennia. Ideally situated on the right bank of the river, the town became a hub for navigation on the Rhine. Today, the medieval town comprises three main rows of houses. Two parallel alleyways set at different levels create the structure of the square. Beyond this, vineyards extend out from the old buildings. On the south-eastern edge of the town, right by the river, lies the mighty church, a dominant feature of the town’s impressive skyline. To the east and west of the old town along the Rhine are suburbs with some striking timber-framed houses.
The old wooden bridge over the Rhine was dismantled at the start of the 20th century. Today, a wide stone bridge a little further upriver leads across to the former castle district on the other bank. Where the castle, customs house and other buildings once stood, packed in tightly by the river, today just the castle barn and Lochmühle mill remain. These are set in a landscaped area with ponds and ornamental gardens. From here, visitors can admire magnificent views of the old town and its imposing church.
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.
