La Roche Castle (Ruin)

In 1164, La Roche Castle is first mentioned in a document naming "Petrus et Turincus de Rupe". In 1172, another document mentions a Joranus de Rupe. The Lords of La Roche, whose dominion was originally probably an imperial fief, sided with the Counts of Savoy in the conflicts of the 13th century. In 1264, the decline of the House of La Roche began. Wilhelm incurred debts, and so the family temporarily had to sell part of their dominion to Ulrich von Wippingen. In 1276, the Lords of La Roche once again gained full control over their possessions. In 1308, the Lords of La Roche appeared as vassals of the Bishop of Lausanne. In 1316, the Lords of La Roche became feudal lords over La Roche. However, the decline of the family could no longer be stopped. Anthonia von Schliern, widow of Rudolf III von La Roche, sold the tower, castle, and dominion to the Bishop in 1349. In 1518, the castle still stood. In 1536, the dominion of La Roche was occupied by Fribourg troops. The castle lost its importance. From 1652 to 1656, parts of it were demolished to serve as building material for the new church in the village of La Roche.