49 Old Ruins to Explore in Switzerland

The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is a significant medieval monastic library located in St. Gallen, Switzerland. In 1983, the library, as well as the Abbey of St. Gall, were designated a World Heritage Site, as “an outstanding example of a large Carolingian monastery and was, since the 8th century until its secularisation in 1805, one of the most important cultural centers in Europe”.

The amphitheatre of Vindonissa is the oldest in Switzerland. It was erected by the 13th legion, initially being made of wood. After a fire, the 21st legion replaced it with the stone structure that survives today. The seating area had a capacity of some 11,000 spectators while the oval arena in the centre measured 64x52 metres - the largest of the seven known amphitheatres on Swiss territory.

Castle Auenstein is located on a small cliff on the banks of the Aare. The Castle was destroyed in 1389. The ruins were owned by the canton until 1803, but were later bought privately. The castle was rebuilt to be habitable in 1858, and made into its current shape by 1929. The parish church, first mentioned in 1302, is built in the Gothic and Late Gothic styles, but has decorative elements of the Romanesque style of the 11th century. Nearby cities:

The best-preserved ancient theatre north of the Alps. Augusta Raurica is the perfect excursion destination – for the whole family, for your school or for groups who wish to take a guided tour. This Roman archaeological site and an open-air museum in Switzerland located on the south bank of the Rhine river

Augustinergasse is one of the most beautiful historical, narrow streets in Zurich. With many well-preserved, colorfully painted bay windows, it provides an insight into the history of the city. It connects busy Bahnhofstrasse with the former Gothic Augustiner Church from the 13th century and continues to the "oasis" St.

The Gate of Spalen is a former city gate in the ancient city walls of Basel, Switzerland. One of the three remaining gateways, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful gates of Switzerland. The gate is a landmark of Basel and a heritage site of national significance.

Birseck Castle is one of four castles on a slope called Birseck that confines the plain of the Birs river. The Eremitage building group that includes the castle is listed as a heritage site of national significance. Reichenstein Castle is the sister castle to Birseck and sits on a higher slope to the north.

Bishofstein Castle is a castle in the municipality of Sissach of the canton of Basel-Land in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance

Alt Tierstein Castle was inhabited from the 11th century and served the Counts of Tierstein as their ancestral seat. After that, this noble family from northwestern Switzerland relocated their business to Büsserach at Neu Thierstein Castle. Older finds indicate that the place was inhabited for a very long time, around 1000 BC. The Alt Tierstein ruins are now an attractive excursion destination

Valangin Castle is a castle in the municipality of Valangin of the Canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. It is also one of the famous tourist attractions in this area.

Tarasp Castle is a castle in Switzerland, near the former municipality of Tarasp (now Scuol), in Lower Engadin, Graubünden. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. It was one of the main historical attrition in this area and also a worth visit place. From here we an understand the Swiss architecture's intelligence.

The castles of Bellinzona are one of Ticino's main attractions and, with the old walls that are still standing, are the sole medieval military complex in the Alpine region. They became part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 2000. Castelgrande, also known as Castello di San Michele or Burg Uri, is the oldest of these 13th-century castles. Two towers, Torre Nera and Torre Bianca dominate Bellinzona's Old Town. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Art are located in the Castelgrande.

Porrentruy Castle is a castle in the municipality of Porrentruy of the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. the castle served as exile residence of the prince-bishops of Basel from 1527 until 1792. The bishops had been exiled from Basel during the Swiss Reformation in 1529, whereas they were able to keep most of their territories outside the city.

Tourbillon Castle is a castle in Sion in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is situated on a hill and faces the Basilique de Valère, located on the opposite hill. The castle was ruined in a fire in 1788. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. It was now one of the renowned tourist attraction in this area.

The Escaliers du Marché is the covered stairs leading up from the bottom of Mercerie Street to the cathedral square in Lausanne, Switzerland. The date of their construction is unknown. The current staircases, in wood, covered, built parallel to very sloping paving, date from 1717-1719.

The ruins of Farnsburg castle are located in Ormalingen. Adorning the buildings in Hemmiken are traces of the art of stone carving long practiced in the village. Here you can explore a range of historical buildings such as the rectory and storehouse. A historic boundary stone featuring the Habsburg and Basel coats of arms is evidence that the municipality bordered Austria until 1803.

The exhibit of the Thurgau History Museum in Frauenfeld Castle illustrates the time after 1415 that was so important for the region. It offers both children and adults an insightful and playful gateway to the Middle Ages. The modern arrangements, interactive animation and the artwork shining in new splendour are the highlights of the multimedia castle tour.

A castle nestled in the fantastic countryside high above Lake Constance. This baroque manor house, surrounded by vineyards and with views of Stein am Rhein, is an inspiring setting in which to come up with new concepts and creative ideas. The library and the fireside lounge, along with the beautiful rose garden, are perfect places to retreat to and recharge your mind.

An 11th-century fortress home to one of the most influential royal houses in medieval Europe. It was the originating seat of the House of Habsburg, one of the most influential royal houses in Europe during the Middle Ages. The castle was originally built around 1020 and extended to a double castle in the later 11th century.

Hagenwil Castle is one of Switzerland's most well-preserved moated castles and its first recorded mention was in the 13th century. For more than 200 years it has been the property of the Angehrn family, who run a restaurant in the castle and produce their own wine. It provides an ideal environment for many parties and celebrations. Located in idyllic surroundings between horse pastures and vineyards.