Lost amidst the fields, did farmers of Rieden ever find solace in a tower? Today we stand before the Turm von Rieden. It is no ordinary tower. It is a unique piece of Rieden’s history.
The Turm von Rieden is in Wallisellen. Specifically, it is in the Swiss canton of Zuerich. You might wonder why a tower stands alone. This Turm von Rieden never had an adjacent church. Its sole purpose was to house a clock and bell.
Let’s step back in time. Before 1916, Rieden was an independent community. The Turm von Rieden played a vital role for local farmers. They could tell the time from their fields by looking at the tower. They only needed to see the hour hand. A minute hand was deemed too expensive. It also seemed unnecessary.
The original clock tower on this site met its end in 1860. It had become dilapidated. The people of Rieden wanted a replacement. But Dietlikon was hesitant to share the costs. A deal was struck. Rieden would support the Dietlikon train station. In return Dietlikon would support the Turm von Rieden.
In 1866, the new Turm von Rieden was erected. Jakob Mader of Andelfingen built the clockwork. The tower reused a bell from 1830. However, they later replaced this bell in 1884.
The Turm von Rieden stands as a testament to simpler times. It is a time when the hour was enough. Imagine farmers glancing up from their work. They would gauge the passing of the day by this very tower. Renovations in the 20th century respected this history. The tower retained its original character.
Interestingly, the earliest record of the chapel’s property dates back to 1646. This mentions expenses for fat and oil. These were for the tower clock and bell bearing. In 1798, the Rieden chapel property became part of the Dietlikon church property. The chapel transformed into a residence. The tower of the chapel remained as a working clock tower.
Before this tower, a chapel stood here. It was the Nikolaus Chapel. Records mention it as early as 1370. After the Reformation, it became secular.
The Turm von Rieden is more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies Rieden’s resourcefulness and spirit. It represents the community’s values. It shows how they preserved their heritage. The Riedenerturm Foundation ensures its preservation.
As you explore Wallisellen, remember the story of the Turm von Rieden. It is a symbol of Rieden’s past. It is a reminder of a time. This was when community needs shaped the landscape. It is a landmark. The Turm von Rieden continues to watch over the fields. It is a silent guardian of Rieden’s unique history.
The Rieden village emblem features a unique symbol. It shows a male dog to represent this heritage. So, next time you see the Turm von Rieden, remember its story. It’s a tale of time, trade and a tower.