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Founded: 1848-1850Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: Russian Grand Duchy (Finland)
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The history of Haminalahti dates back to the Iron Age. In 1874 several bronze jewels were found from the burial made in the 11th century. It was the most significant archaelogical discovery in the North Savonia area.
Haminalahti village and manor are marked as the national built heritage by National Board of Antiques. Between 1759 and 1910 the manor was owned by von Wright noble family. Magnus, Wilhem and Ferdinand von Wright were significant Finnish artists during the national awakening in the 19th century. Ferdinand’s Taistelevat metsot (“Fighting Capercaillies”) is one of the most well-known Finnish paintings. The nature of Haminalahti inspired brothers and can be seen in their works.
The empire-style manor house was built in 1848-1850 according the design of C. L. Engel. Today it’s owned by the Falkenberg family and is in the private use. In 2006 a culture trail was opened in Haminalahti to exhibit the landscapes and the art of von Wrights.
The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.
In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.
The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.
A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.