Erlach - St. Petersinsel (20.08.1989)

Описание: Erlach is first mentioned in 1185 as Erilacho and in 1274 as Cellie. In French it was called Cerlier. In 1264/66 Erlach received a Handfeste or document of rights from Count Rudolf II of Neuchâtel-Nidau. The village of Sunkort's church was built and consecrated in the 11th Century. Around 1100 the Benedictine Erlach Abbey was founded on Saint Peter's Island (actually a peninsula). During the 14th Century, the city walls were built. The only remaining city gate, currently part of the Rathaus or town hall, is from this era. Towers were added to the walls in the 15th Century. In 1455 the citizens of Erlach founded a hospital. Based on the rights granted by Rudolf II, Erlach had a mayor and until 1798 a 12 member town council with a 6-18 member advisory body.

Portions of Schloss Erlach were built in the Middle Ages, but the western main tower was built around 1500. In 1848, during the foundation of the Federal State, Schloss Erlach became the district seat. However, thirty years later in 1874, it became a school.

The highest point in Erlach is Jolimont which is 603 m (1,978 ft) above sea level. The mountain provides an excellent view of the lake.

The Sankt-Petersinsel (St. Peter Island), really a peninsula, can be reached from Erlach by foot or by bicycle. While Erlach Abbey on the Island is not technically part of the Erlach (it is actually part of Gals) it can be reached easily from Erlach. However, it is now a detention centre for male adults.

The Ulrich Church in Sunkort, is supposed to have been consecrated by Saint Ulrich of Zell in the 11th Century. It was the private church of the Counts of Fenis in the village Sunkort. The choir tower dates from the 15th Century. The massive nave was completely rebuilt in the 17th Century.