Beromünster Castle

The history of Beromünster is closely linked to the founding of a monastery in 980 by Count Bero of Aargau, who dedicated it to the salvation of his son's soul. Originally intended as a burial place for Bero and his successors, the Counts of Lenzburg, the monastery developed under their protection and donations. In the early 12th century, it was transformed into a collegiate church that admitted noble families. After the extinction of the Lenzburg family, the Beromünster office passed to the Counts of Kyburg, who repeatedly came into conflict with the priors and even set fire to the collegiate church. In 1264, the rights fell to the Habsburgs. The residential tower, which originated around 1200, probably initially served as a residence and administrative seat for the monastery's intendant and later for noble families, such as the Knights of Wolhusen in the 14th century. Whether the tower was damaged during the attacks by the Confederates in 1352 and 1386 is unclear. In 1415, Lucerne conquered Aargau and took over the Habsburg rights. In the 15th century, the castle housed Canon Helias Helie von Laufon, who established one of Switzerland's first printing presses here. His theological dictionary from 1470 is considered the oldest dated printed work in the country. Restorations took place between 1937 and 1940, during which later, unsuitable additions from the 19th century were removed.

Today, Beromünster Castle is privately owned. It is not publicly accessible.