Wikon Castle

The exact period of origin of the complex, originally known as Wiggen, is unknown. According to 16th-century chronicles, it is said to have been founded by the Counts of Lenzburg. Ownership later passed to the Counts of Frohburg. In 1373, the fortress belonged to Rudolf von Neuenburg, and in 1409 to the Counts of Thierstein. The Lords of Falkenstein are mentioned as owners between 1420 and 1457. From the second half of the 13th century, the Lords of Büttikon were documented as feudal lords. After the Battle of Sempach and the conquest of Aargau, disputes arose over ownership, which were decided in 1470 by the Swiss Federal Diet in favor of the Canton of Lucerne. In 1476, Rudolf von Büttikon sold the complex to the city of Lucerne, which undertook renovations. From 1485 to 1798, Wikon served as the seat of the Lucerne bailiffs. During the Peasants' War of 1653, the bailiff was captured and the cannons removed. After the French invasion, the castle was plundered and partially set on fire. In the 19th century, Pastor Josef Leupi acquired the ruin and, together with his aunt, the Benedictine nun Getrud Leupi, established the Marienberg daughter institute. The keep was significantly altered during this time. A Gothic Pietà statue transformed the castle chapel, consecrated in 1635, into a place of pilgrimage.

Wikon Castle is situated at an elevation of approximately 560 m above sea level in the municipality of Wikon, Willisau district, Lucerne canton, Switzerland.

Today, Wikon Castle is used as a monastic establishment. Of the original medieval defensive complex, the keep, a narrow residential building, and the choir of the chapel have been preserved. The keep was heavily modified in the 19th century. The chapel is accessible to visitors, but the actual institute buildings are not.