Bailiff's castle Willisau

The bailiff's castle

The castle is one of the most important secular Baroque buildings in Central Switzerland. With its sgraffito decorations, the façade is reminiscent of magnificent southern buildings. The castle is built on a tower of the old town wall from the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. The staircase is located in the tower.

Inside, the first two floors impress with their magnificent stucco work, created by the Lugano artists August Giacomo and Pietro Neurone, the magnificent ceiling paintings by the Ticino artist Francesco Neurone, the impressive paneling and the richly carved banisters of the staircase. The corridor on the second floor is enriched by a cycle of paintings of the legend of the Holy Blood. The corridors are accessible during office hours, but the rooms can only be viewed with a guided tour.

Hans Roelli parlor

One room commemorates the Willisau-born singer, poet and songwriter Hans Roelli (1889-1962). Take a look at some of Roelli's writings, instruments and everyday objects or listen to songs sung by the artist himself.

Archaeology cellar

During the renovation of the barn next to the castle, a 500-year-old cellar was discovered, which probably belonged to the former house of the church lord. The floor, finely laid with bolestones, the remains of the house wall and the adjoining town wall are impressive. The archaeology cellar is open to the public during the day. A video installation provides a comprehensive explanation of what has been found.

The former hayloft has been converted into a magnificent multi-purpose room, the Schlossschür, which can be hired for all kinds of events (concerts, meetings, birthday parties, etc.).

Our guided tours (1.5 hours) give you the opportunity to see the inside of the bailiff's castle and obtain even more information. We also offer a special tour (1 hour) which is dedicated solely to the bailiff's castle.