Givisiez Castle

As early as the 12th century, a tower existed in Givisiez, indicating a fortified complex designed to defend the northern access to the city of Fribourg. In 1448, a deadly conflict occurred between Bern and Savoy against Fribourg, in which the Fribourgers killed 400 enemies on Guintzet hill on January 6th. It is believed that the destruction of the then-fortification of Givisiez dates from this period. Restorations carried out on the current manor house between 1987 and 1990 uncovered remnants of earlier foundations. The present manor house, whose keystone bears the date 1539, is attributed to François I of Affry and his wife Elisabeth of Cléry. In 1644, the building was expanded with Baroque elements, including a half-timbered gallery and an access turret with pilasters and a broken pediment. The grand salon, designed around 1660 by Michael Vogelsang. In the 18th century, the manor house lost importance when Nicolas Alexandre of Affry built a new castle. The 19th century saw a flourishing of social life in Givisiez, and Givisiez Castle, also known as Boccard Castle, became a meeting point for nobles and artists. It temporarily housed religious refugees and later served as a school before being electrified and inhabited by the Boccard family in 1903.

Givisiez Castle is located in the municipality of Givisiez in the Saane district of the Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, at an altitude of approximately 645 m above sea level.

Givisiez Castle is currently privately owned and used accordingly.