Rapperswil : Switzerland
Rapperswil is a small town in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It is located at the east side of the lake of Zurich. In the local dialect it is sometimes referred to as Rappi.
The centre is of medieval origin and dominated by the castle. The town is considered one of the most significant traffic junctions in the region. The Seedamm, a dam across the lake of Zurich, links Rapperswil with Pfffikon on the other side of the lake. This connection has been part of old pilgrimage routes.
The town’s main sights are concentrated in the centre and can be seen while strolling through the medieval alleys. The main sights of Rapperswil are its roses, the castle, the reconstructed wooden bridge to Hurden with its bridge chapel, a capuchin monastery. There are also a number of churches, chapels, as well as the convent (Wurmsbach) nearby.
Rapperswil is often referred to as the town of roses (Rosenstadt), because of its extensive display of roses in three designated parks. No less than 15,000 plants of 600 different kinds are on display between June and October every year. There is also a park of roses accessible to blinds and disabled in the centre of the town.
The castle of Rapperswil probably dates back to the 13th century. It dominates the old town and is placed on a hill. On the lands surrounding the castle deer are kept. Since 1870 to the castle has been home to the National Polish Museum, created by emigrants (including owner of the castle – W?adys?aw earl Broel-Plater).
A wooden footbridge led across the lake of Zurich since early centuries. At a lager stage the bridge was replaced a by a dam built out of stone. In 2001 a newly build wooden footbridge was opened alongside the dam for the first 840 metres of the crossing. It was build in the same place of the original bridge and links Rapperswil with the nearby bridge chapel (Heilighsli) which was built in 1551.
The chapuchin monastery was established in 1606 and is placed at the lakeside. The monastery itself belongs to the citizens of Rapperswil rather than to the monks who inhabit it. This small monastery is still in use.
