Castle of Berthoud

The castle of Berthoud is on a hill of 50 meters to Berthoud ( Burgdorf in German) in Suisse.

History

The place would have been used for fortifications already at the end of the 11th century during the reign as Berthold de Rheinfelden ( castellum Bertoldi ducis in 1080). The dukes of Zaehringen would have made modifications to already existing constructions ( in castello Burgdorf in 1210) before the castle does not finish between the hands of the Kybourg in 1218 then of the family Neu-Kybourg in 1273. Kybourg used it at the same time as Thoune like centers of their territory bordering the Aar. Following the progressive extinction of this dynasty, the castle was repurchased by the Canton of Bern in 1384 following the Guerre of Berthoud. The Berneses had granted specific rights at the town of Berthoud. A burgomaster resided in the castle which acted of prison and chancellery.

In the middle of the 18th century, the castle was inhabited by Friedrich Bondeli (1705 - 1761), the father of Julie Bondeli. From 1798 to 1804, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi installed its school there. Contrary to the other areas with a castle in possession of Bern, Berthoud was not converted into baillage during several centuries and finally in 1803 will be it. Since 1804, the castle was used as seat with the authorities.

Structure

Its architecture is characterized by a square Donjon 33 meters side height and 9 meters. At side is the rectangular Main building of approximately 10 meters by 20 meters, for a height lower by a few meters compared to the keep. The emblême with the bear of Bern is still quite visible on the wall of the main building. With the back of this group of buildings the court is which is surrounded by other constructions forming a triangular unit. The castle shelters a room of the knights and a vault of 1330 with frescos representing the life of Jean the Baptist as well as scenes of the Passion.

Until the 18th century, the vegetation on the hill was absent in order to guarantee the safety of the fortress. The archeologists reflect up to date a drawbridge which gave access the castle via the tower located below the keep.

References

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