Haus Betlehem, located in the Swiss town of Schwyz, is considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe. This unique example of medieval architecture was built in 1287, four years before the founding of the Swiss Confederation, making it an extremely important testimony to the beginnings of Swiss statehood.
Haus Betlehem is part of the complex of buildings known as Ital Reding-Hofstatt, which also includes Ital Reding’s 1609 Renaissance manor house. Schwyz, a town surrounded by spacious baroque patrician residences, is the historical centre of the canton of the same name – one of the three founding cantons of Switzerland.
The mansion of Ital Reding. Photo: www.f64.ch, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Haus Betlehem originally served as a manor house. The building was constructed of wooden logs and is an excellent example of a medieval structure of this type. In 1540, a significant modernisation was carried out – the entire structure was raised by 1.5 metres with wooden screws, and a cellar was added below.
In the 18th century, the building was enhanced with additional elements such as side gazebos and decorative shutters reconstructed from the original designs. The alpine shingle roof, typical of the region, is not fixed with nails but loosely laid and weighted down with logs and stones.
The interior of Haus Betlehem captures the spirit of the era and the social status of its inhabitants. In the lower storey, behind a large window, is a hall decorated with wall paintings reminiscent of those in other historic buildings in the region, including the Spielmatt and Balmermatte houses in Bürglen. There is also a spacious garden room, under which a vaulted cellar has been built. The main reception rooms, richly decorated with panelling and artistic ceilings, are located on the first floor. The two-storey structure of the building also includes a painted hall from the 16th century and many original structural elements that have survived the centuries.
Despite its name, “Bethlehem”, the building has no direct connection to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The name is most likely derived from the word ‘Bettelheim’, suggesting its later use as a shelter for poor families in the 18th and 19th centuries. Haus Betlehem was inhabited until 1981, when it underwent extensive renovation and a museum and banqueting space were subsequently created.
Haus Betlehem is not only an architectural treasure, but also a testimony to the social and economic development of the region. It documents the history of a family that gained power and reputation through its entrepreneurship. It is also an important symbol of the origins of the Swiss Confederation.
Haus Betlehem remains one of Switzerland’s most fascinating monuments, attracting the attention of history and architecture lovers alike. Thanks to meticulous restoration work, we can admire this medieval gem in almost unaltered condition, making it a unique monument to the past.
Source: hausforscher.de, gemeindeschwyz.ch
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