Hirzen Castle (Schmerikon)

The Schlössli was built by Heinrich Keller around 1610-20 in late Gothic style. Towards the end of the 18th century, the gabled house to the east was added as an extension. The building with its tower, built around 1620, characterizes the village of Schmerikon.

For 90 years (1856-1956), the stately building served as a retirement home (hospital and asylum for the elderly). The local citizens' assembly of October 13, 1861, dealt with a detailed report on the necessity and usefulness of establishing a poorhouse or orphanage, but neither came to fruition. Even the local citizens' assembly of October 1858 accused the authorities "of being too harsh and stingy towards the poor." Something had to be done, especially since the cantonal government intervened in June 1860. Finally, arrangements were made for orphans with the newly founded children's home in the abolished Fischingen Monastery, while the older and infirm people had to thank the initiative of the then local pastor, Dean and Canon David Blasius Zimmermann, for getting a "retirement home." This far-sighted and socially minded pastor acquired the former guesthouse "Zum Hirzen" with his own funds in 1866. In this spacious house, Pastor Zimmermann set up a private home for elderly and sick people - first run by Ingenbohler sisters, later by Menzinger sisters.

In 1886, Dean Zimmermann retired after 26 years as pastor of Schmerikon and founded a foundation for the continued existence of his retirement home, which still owns the "Hirzen" house today. The social pioneering work of the then local pastor, who was able to preside over his work for 40 years himself, was honored with honorary citizenship at the cooperative citizens' assembly on July 12, 1885. After conditions became too cramped, the foundation decided on February 24, 1955, to build a new building, which began on July 27. Shortly before Christmas, on December 11, 1956, the new retirement home with its 34 beds in a magnificent panoramic location could be occupied. Thus, the history of the retirement home began in the "Hirzen" house in Schmerikon.