Former Commandery with castle, church and outbuildings

In the picturesque municipality of Köniz, nestled within the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, stands a remarkable testament to history and architectural splendor: the Former Commandery with castle, known locally as Schloss Köniz. This captivating site, designated as a Swiss heritage site of national significance, offers visitors a journey through centuries of religious, military, and cultural evolution.

The Historical Tapestry of the Former Commandery with Castle

The roots of the Former Commandery with castle stretch back to the early medieval period. According to tradition, the original monastery and church were established by the Burgundian monarchs Rudolph II and Bertha between 922 and 937. Archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of an early medieval church beneath the current structure, adding layers to its historical narrative.

The oldest parts of the existing building date from the 11th century. The college of Augustinian Canons, first mentioned in 1208, wielded significant power, controlling extensive holdings and having direct authority over five large parishes between the Aare and Sense rivers. The head of the Canons was also the dean over 29 additional parishes in the Diocese of Lausanne.

The Teutonic Knights and the Commandery

In 1226, Köniz was transferred to the Teutonic Knights as a Commandery by King Henry and Emperor Frederick II. However, this sudden transfer was met with resistance from local nobles and religious leaders, leading to nearly two decades of legal disputes. It wasn't until 1243 that a bishop's court ruled in favor of the Knights, though the population of Bern boycotted services in Köniz for another decade.

Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, the Commandery expanded its influence, gaining authority over the parish in Bern and other nearby parishes. Despite its power, the Commandery housed relatively few knights, most of whom hailed from noble Swiss families. The intricate dance of power between Bern and the Commandery continued, with Bern acquiring control over Köniz in 1388, yet struggling to regain religious authority over itself for the next century.

The Reformation and Secularization

The Protestant Reformation in 1528 marked a significant turning point. Bern adopted the new faith and sought to secularize religious houses throughout the Canton. The Knights of the Commandery fled, refusing to relinquish their rights to the building and estates. In 1542, the Teutonic Order forced Bern to return the buildings, though by 1552, Bern deemed the Knights' offer to sell too expensive.

Despite retaining their lands, the Knights lost their military and judicial authority. The main building underwent significant reconstruction in 1610, with a west wing added in 1664 and a granary in 1724. In 1729, the Canton of Bern purchased the buildings, converting them into a district administration building and renovating them extensively in 1785-87.

Modern Transformations

Following the French invasion of 1798 and the creation of the Helvetic Republic, the district was dissolved, and the building served various purposes over the years. From an educational institution for boys and girls to a parsonage and an institution for the blind, the Former Commandery with castle has seen diverse uses.

In 1994, the community purchased the site, transforming part of it into an artist's space, art gallery, and meeting center known as the Kulturhof. In December 2011, the municipality created the Schlosszone Köniz, a mixed-use zone encompassing the church, castle buildings, cemetery, and green spaces. This initiative aims to balance business development with the restoration and maintenance of these historic structures.

The Commandery Church

The Commandery church is a gem of architectural evolution. Portions of the nave, built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century, stand above an earlier church. The 13th century saw the nave's extension and the addition of a bell tower. In 1310, a new choir was added. The 16th century brought a late-Gothic makeover, with new windows and ceilings. A strip painting depicting three saints remains from this period.

Post-Reformation, much of the church's art and sculpture were removed. Before the castle's sale to Bern in 1729, the church choir was redone in the Baroque style. The entire building underwent another renovation in 1781-87, adding an organ loft and a five-part organ case by Karl Josef Maria Bosshardt. Further enhancements in 1937 included stained glass windows by Ernst Linck and Leo Steck, illustrating the history of the Köniz church. The most recent renovation occurred in 1981-83.

A Living Heritage

Today, the Former Commandery with castle is a vibrant part of the community. The Swiss Reformed parish of Köniz uses the Commandery church as a parish church. The castle buildings host a restaurant, a music school, the Bern School Museum, and the Kulturhof, making it a dynamic hub of culture and history.

Visiting the Former Commandery with castle is not just a trip through history; it's an immersion into a living heritage that continues to evolve and inspire. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Schloss Köniz offers a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered.