The town hall was first mentioned in a document in 1314. It was rebuilt between 1591 and 1593, when the council and court met inside the building. There was also a treasury, writing rooms, a salt room, a dungeon and a dance hall. On 20 April 1642, a fire broke out in Schwyzer Schmiedgasse. A total of 47 houses, including the church and the town hall, burnt down. A year later, work began on the new town hall. Built on the fire walls, however, the building was not solid enough and had to be rebuilt in 1777. Carlo Andrea Galetti was in charge of the project.
In 1891, in view of the 600th anniversary celebrations of the Swiss Confederation, Commander Adelrich Benziger from Einsiedeln proposed a redesign of the main façade. Artist Ferdinand Wagner was commissioned to do this. Wagner's works can still be seen on the town hall façades today, such as the Battle of Morgarten and Landamman Stauffacher.
Today, the former dance hall serves as the cantonal council chamber. The district court convenes in another historic room. The panelling and coffered ceilings are among the most precious works of their kind.
In 1891, in view of the 600th anniversary celebrations of the Swiss Confederation, Commander Adelrich Benziger from Einsiedeln proposed a redesign of the main façade. Artist Ferdinand Wagner was commissioned to do this. Wagner's works can still be seen on the town hall façades today, such as the Battle of Morgarten and Landamman Stauffacher.
Today, the former dance hall serves as the cantonal council chamber. The district court convenes in another historic room. The panelling and coffered ceilings are among the most precious works of their kind.
