The history of the Schwyz manor house can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The manor houses are significant for the culture of the canton of Schwyz and central Switzerland, as they are an expression of the manorial and rural way of life of the rural patriciate. Between 1170 and 1340, in addition to the stone, urban-style residential towers, vaulted buildings were also built, which bear witness to high carpentry skills. From the 16th century onwards, these two basic forms developed into representative, stately estates. The architecture and interior designs are often of high quality and individuality.
The heyday of the houses of Rudolf and Dorothea Reding's three sons began in the early 17th century. They themselves grew up in the Bethlehem house. South of the village centre of Schwyz, the oldest large house was built on the Brüel by Heinrich Reding. The massive stone building was obviously modelled on patrician townhouses in the Swiss Confederation. The construction of the Ital Reding House by Ital Reding also abandoned the familiar Schwyz building schemes. The paintings on the edges of the house lend it architectural stability and strength. In addition, a garden parterre was placed in front of the house, probably for the first time in Schwyz, flanked on either side by two shady cottages. Rudolf Reding, the third son, designed his house on Schmiedgasse as an actual palazzo. The design gives it the self-assured overall appearance of a Renaissance palace. It is assumed that an inner courtyard was created in the centre of the house.
The magnificent manor houses were built with the income from salaries. In this way, the patrician families of Schwyz showed who they were and what they owned in different ways. It is interesting to note that the ruling families favoured inward rather than outward representation. They wanted to maintain the façade of the Landsgemeinde democracy and not make the contrast with the country folk appear too obvious.
The heyday of the houses of Rudolf and Dorothea Reding's three sons began in the early 17th century. They themselves grew up in the Bethlehem house. South of the village centre of Schwyz, the oldest large house was built on the Brüel by Heinrich Reding. The massive stone building was obviously modelled on patrician townhouses in the Swiss Confederation. The construction of the Ital Reding House by Ital Reding also abandoned the familiar Schwyz building schemes. The paintings on the edges of the house lend it architectural stability and strength. In addition, a garden parterre was placed in front of the house, probably for the first time in Schwyz, flanked on either side by two shady cottages. Rudolf Reding, the third son, designed his house on Schmiedgasse as an actual palazzo. The design gives it the self-assured overall appearance of a Renaissance palace. It is assumed that an inner courtyard was created in the centre of the house.
The magnificent manor houses were built with the income from salaries. In this way, the patrician families of Schwyz showed who they were and what they owned in different ways. It is interesting to note that the ruling families favoured inward rather than outward representation. They wanted to maintain the façade of the Landsgemeinde democracy and not make the contrast with the country folk appear too obvious.
Guided tours
Most of the manor houses are not open to the public. The Ital Reding-Hofstatt with the Bethlehem House can be visited from the beginning of May to the end of October.Good to know
Accessibility / Location
Accessible by public transport
Central location
In the old town
Target group
Individual guests
Groups
Adults
Seniors
Contact person
