History
A magical place for over 600 years
Archaeological findings suggest that this unique promontory on the Lower Lake wa appreciated for its beauty <s early as Roman times. But exactly what kind of settlement stood here during Late Antiquity remains lost in the mists of time. Was it a country house? A small sanctuary? We do not know. The common name given to Arenenberg in the Middle Ages was “Narrenberg”, indicating that traces from Late Antiquity must have been evident here for a long time, since the word “Narr” was used in those days to describe things that were very old and of inexplicable origin.
Timeline
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Archaeological stray finds.
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First documentary proof.
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The Carthusian monastery of Maria Saal acquires the Narrenberg as a wine-growing estate.
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The Narrenberg is back in private ownership.
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Arenenberg is owned by various Patrician families.
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The von Streng family lives in the castle.
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Hortense de Beauharnais buys Arenenberg.
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The chapel is built.
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Prince Louis Napoleon has a significant influence on landscape gardening at Arenenberg.
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Queen Hortense dies.
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Louis Napoleon is forced to sell his family home.
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Napoleon III repurchases Arenenberg and has it restored to its original state.
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Napoleon III dies.
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Empress Eugenie gives Arenenberg to the Canton of Thurgau as a present.