Commandant's house
The Kommandantenhaus (historically "Commandantenhaus") was the residence of the Austrian commanders in Rheinfelden during the Habsburg period. This can be recognized by the eagle and the coat of arms on the façade.
House of the commanding commander.
The commander's house is located on Kapuzinergasse, right next to the Capuchin church. In the Middle Ages, this was a preferred residential area for the city's nobility and wealthy citizens.
Stone-built houses were constructed there as early as the 13th century. The Kommandantenhaus is said to have been one of these buildings and housed the garrison commander during Habsburg-Austrian rule. In the event of a threat, he commanded up to 800 men.
Austrian coat of arms with eagle.
The building and the façade were extensively renovated and restored for the last time in 2003. Today, the building houses various apartments.
However, the eagle and the coat of arms above the front door still show that the Austrians were once in charge here.
Ruedi Hofer, city guide since 1982
"Nos. 12, 14 and 16 on Kapuzinergasse were originally individual houses.
At the end of the 17th century, they were combined into one manor house and became the seat of the commander of the Austrian troops for 115 years. After 1800, this large house was separated into the original three parts again.
Through marriage and childbirth, my wife and daughter also lived in this apartment until the end of 1974.
Every time I stand with a group in front of the house with the Austrian eagle, the memories of the first residence with the small backyard adjacent to the city wall and the refrigerated compartments below come flooding back."
Further information
Good to know
Rheinfelden belonged to Austria for almost 1000 years. It was only when the Swiss Confederation was founded that the region around Rheinfelden was assigned to the canton of Aargau.
Access
There is a studio and three apartments in the house. The studio with its painted Renaissance ceiling can be viewed on request.
Contact viewing
Henri Leuzinger
henri.leuzinger@bluewin.ch
Please contact 1 - 2 days before the desired date.
Contact Rheinfelden
Tourism Rheinfelden
Town office, Marktgasse 16
4310 Rheinfelden
+41 61 835 52 00
tourismus@rheinfelden.ch
