Things to see and do Rapperswil-Jona

It was built around 1230 and is in a perfect state of preservation. It is now used for events, with the exception of a floor reserved for the Polish Museum. This museum was created in 1970 by Polish emigrants who came to Switzerland as a refugee following the unrest in their country (insurrection of January 1863). The exhibition deals with Polish history, its traditions, its struggles, its regained independence and its relations with Switzerland over the years.

At the foot of the castle (Schloss Rapperswil), the Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Johann stands on the rising eastern flank of the castle hill, on the Herrenberg. It was built in the ^13th century, in 1253 by Count Rudolph. After a fire in 1885 spared only the Romanesque Gothic towers, the parish church of St. John was completely rebuilt in neo-Gothic style. It was decoratively painted in the ^20th century.

Knie's Kinderzoo is home to around 400 animals representing 70 species for the greatest pleasure of the youngest... and their parents. In addition to the classic visit of the zoo, several activities are offered (some of them are not free of charge): giving breakfast to the monkeys in the morning or spending an hour in the giraffe, camel or sea lion enclosure. It is also possible to follow a caretaker during his work in order to get a better look behind the scenes. Everything is designed to educate children. There is also a restaurant overlooking the lake.

This Capuchin convent was built in 1606 by the town's inhabitants. The site is best known for its location on a lakeside peninsula, its magnificent rose garden and the grotto dedicated to Saint Anthony, which still attracts pilgrims. Spiritual retreats are held here, where you can take part in the convent's religious and community life. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. To help you make contact, you'll be assigned a brother or sister to accompany you.