Greifenstein
Retreat, June 12-15, 2022
Greifenstein, meaning “gripping stone” in German, is situated in the Canton of St. Gallen overlooking Lake Constance, about an hour away from Zurich.
The history of the estate traces back to Joachim Vadian, nee Joachim von Watt(1484-1551), who was an important figure in the region as scholar, religious reformer and mayor of St. Gallen. Vadian gave the land to his daughter who built the manor in 1551.
In 1665, the estate was bought by another well-known family von Salis. The arched portal of the manor is still crowned with an elaborate emblem of Rudolf von Salis-Soglio. In 1865, Greifenstein was sold into private hands, and has changed ownership several times until the present day.
The current estate of Greifenstein consists of several buildings that reflect their rich architectural heritage from different eras, with windows of unequal sizes and interior features in different styles.
Greifenstein was used mostly as a vacation home in its earliest days and is surrounded by the picturesque Swiss nature - vineyards on the south side and pastures that stretch out to the lake on the north side. The path on the hill where Greifenstein is situated is a beloved walking path frequented by many local residents.
The sessions of the retreat will take place in the various rooms of Greifenstein as well as in the outdoor spaces around the estate.