Silenen Castle

Around the mid-13th century, the Silenen Residential Tower was erected under the aegis of the noble family of Silenen. This family served as the Meier of Fraumünster Abbey in Zurich and managed its properties in the central Reuss Valley. By 1300, the Lords of Silenen were among the most influential families in Uri. The tower remained in their possession until the family died out around 1564. Subsequently, the wooden superstructures and interior fittings decayed, while the masonry retained its original height. Around 1900, a first restoration took place, followed by its placement under the protection of the Swiss Confederation. A second renovation occurred in 1989, when the tower was covered with a wooden upper story to protect against moisture. Since 2002, the tower has been made accessible to the public through the reactivation of the high entrance and the installation of a staircase.

The Silenen Residential Tower is located in the municipality of Silenen in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, at an elevation of approximately 530 meters above sea level.