Schloss Ebenrain

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Schloss Ebenrain is a historic country residence in Sissach, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. Built from 1774 to 1776 for Martin Bachofen, a wealthy Basel silk trader, it is considered the most significant late baroque residence in northwestern Switzerland. The building was designed by Samuel Werenfels, and the gardens to the north and south were laid out by Niklaus Sprüngli. In the early 19th century the gardens were turned into English-style parks, but a long row of lindens along the driveway remains.

After Bachofen’s death in 1814, the estate passed through many owners. In 1951 the Canton of Basel-Country bought Schloss Ebenrain. From 1986 to 1989, both the interior and exterior were restored to their baroque character, the top floor was turned into a large exhibition room, the cellar was enlarged, and the building was made accessible to wheelchair users.

Today Schloss Ebenrain is a public facility and houses an agricultural school (Landwirtschaftliches Zentrum Ebenrain). The site hosts art exhibitions, concerts and other events, and is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national significance. The castle and park can be reached on foot or by bike from Sissach, with a signposted route from the train station; wheelchair access has been available since 1989.