Discovering Zürich and Switzerland

Have you ever had one of those days where everything went right for a change..... Well it happened to me on 18 May 2010 at 13.07. I had only been a ZIWA member for 4 days and decided I should get to know Switzerland as I had been here a month, so what better way than to join the half day guided tour of Castle Wildegg.
Originally one single defence tower watched over the Aare valley, today we are able to follow the history and sometimes tragic lives of the Effinger family as 11 generations loved, married, built and extended to what stands today,3 towers that contain documentation of economic, political and military accounts spanning from 1483 to 1912.

The estate sits on 120 acres and includes 44 rooms of which 31 are open for public viewing: they are filled with beautifully hand crafted furniture, lead light panels, dinner settings, bedding, battle armour, swords and firearms but most importantly portraits of a successful family that had vision, strength, passion and ambition.
As we made our way up each level, we became intimate with the family's daily life : needle point, music, painting, sculpture, reading, servants' quarters, silverware, gilded mirrors, hand painted wall paper, library, billiard room,fencing hall and business records show evidence of aristocratic life over different periods in history.

Our guide had some interesting stories of Napoleon coming to the castle and how the croissant came to be, but I was particularly touched by Sophie's story whose son died in her arms and how after that she could no longer live in the castle.
The seven levels led us on a journey back through history and my senses were stimulated as we were able to touch,smell and also hear some music of that period. Visually earthy,alive, elegant, solid and refined yet harsh, cold and unforgiving.....the smell of certain fruits still permeate through the pores of the timber.
As you leave the castle and wander around the grounds you can't help but admire the pride, strength and courage Julie, the last descendant of the Effinger family, felt as she left the property to the Swiss Confederation.
The gardens are meticulous and pleasing to the eye: Domain Wildegg warrants a visit. It was a lovely afternoon full of information.

Thank you ZIWA, I don't think I would have gone on my own; you are caring, friendly, warm, helpful women, willing to share your experiences and knowledge.
Regards Nina.

Here's the link to learn more about this destination in Canton Aargau which is part of the Swiss National Museum: www.musee-suisse.ch/e/wildegg