Landvogtei Castle

The castle's origins date back to the first half of the 12th century, when the core structure, a keep built from rubble and pebbles, was erected. Initially known as “Niderhus” and first mentioned as “Niedere Feste” in 1265, it served the Counts of Lenzburg and later the Kyburgs. In 1264, the Habsburgs took over its administration, and nine years later, full ownership. Around 1360, the Niderhus was integrated into the city's fortifications, serving as a bridgehead. After the conquest of Aargau by the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1415, the damaged building was restored and became the seat of the Landvogt of the County of Baden. Plans to abandon the dilapidated Niderhus in favor of Burg Stein were rejected; instead, a comprehensive reconstruction and expansion into the “Landvogteischloss” took place in 1486, completed in 1490. Further additions were made in the 16th century, including a round stair tower around 1579/80. Between 1690 and 1692, bastions with drawbridges were built, but these were demolished again after the Second Villmergen War of 1712. After the proclamation of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, the castle lost its original purpose. It was taken over by the Canton of Aargau in 1804 and acquired by the City of Baden in 1807 to serve as a schoolhouse and, at times, a prison. A comprehensive restoration between 1909 and 1912 prepared the castle for its current use as a museum.

The Landvogteischloss is located in the city of Baden in the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 364 m above sea level on the right bank of the Limmat River.

Today, the Landvogteischloss serves as the Historical Museum and Archives of the City of Baden. Visitors can explore the city's history from Roman times to the present, with archaeological finds from the region and changing cultural history exhibitions also presented. A modern extension from 1992/93, colloquially known as the “Melonenschnitz” (melon slice), expands the museum's exhibition areas. The city archives, which preserve municipal documents from the year 1300 onwards, are connected underground.

• Burgruine Stein (Castle ruin), approx. 0.4 km away
• Ruine Alt-Lägern (Boppelsen) (Castle ruin), approx. 6.3 km away
• Schloss Iberg (Castle), approx. 6.7 km away
• Kloster Königsfelden (Sacred building), approx. 7.1 km away