Ruine Dorneck - Dornach, SO, Switzerland
Posted by: 
fi67
N 47° 28.784 E 007° 37.675
32T E 396625 N 5259389
The ruin of castle Dorneck in the hills above Dornach.
Waymark Code: WM9PDJ
Location: Solothurn, Switzerland
Date Posted: 09/14/2010
Views: 9
The castle Dorneck is not documented before the mid-14th century, but archaeological finds date it back to the 11th century. So probably the von Pfeffingen were the founders.
In the following centuries the castle changed ownership several times (Habsburg, Thierstein, von Efrigen, von Hallwil, Solothurn). Most of the owners were more interested in the tax income from the villages associated with the castle than in the building itself. Thus it was in a relatively poor condition. Nevertheless the garrison was able to defend itself against a imperial army in 1499.
After this battle the castle was strengthened and extended to a real fortress. Substantial amounts were invested to prepare for modern artillery warfare. The castle remained undefeated for three centuries, including the Thirty Years' War. In 1798 castle Dorneck was conquered by French troops and put out of service. For over a century the ruin was used as a quarry by the local population.
Around the 400th anniversary of the battle of Dornach there was growing interest in the building and it was cleaned and stabilized between 1903 and 1906. There were renovations in 1932 and 1997.
Most parts of the ruin are accessible free of charge in the daytime. It is a popular excursion destination, there are grill places in front of the castle and in the bailey.
Accessibility: Partial access
Condition: Completely ruined
Admission Charge?: no
Website: Not listed
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