Sargans Castle
The Sarganser Castle was first mentioned in a document as early as 1282. In 1386, its owner, Count Johann I (called “Graf Hans” for short) fought on the Austrian side near Sempach against the Confederates. Two years later he also planned to take part in the fight against the Glarus near Näfels, but fortunately he only appeared with his people on the Kerenzerberg when the meeting had already been decided.
After the Old Zurich War, Sargans became a subject of the Confederation. From then on (from 1459 to 1798) they administered this property as a joint domain. 181 governors took their place one after the other in the Sarganser Castle (each after a two-year term). The order of their appearance can still be seen today on the coat of arms that adorns the city side of the mansion: Zurich, Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug and Glarus. (After the Villmerger Wars, from 1712, also Bern.)
The castle has been owned by the local community of Sargans since 1899. Architect Eugen Probst renovated it sensibly at the turn of the century. In 1969/70 the facade, the ring walls and the retaining walls were subjected to further renovation with the help of the Homeland Security and the federal government and the canton of St. Gallen. A visit to the old mansion and the Sarganserland Local History Museum in the tower is worth it!
Text: Pedagogical Publishing House LLZ