August 11, 2026 – August 16, 2026
A little paradise right on your doorstep—the Orangery at Waldegg Castle
In 17th-century art, the lemon symbolizes prosperity, while the bitter orange or sweet orange symbolizes the apple of paradise—and for good reason: Although citrus fruits were not unknown, they were expensive imported goods. Princes had lavish orangeries built in their pleasure palaces; the plants were transported in pots across the Alps by carriage to be lovingly tended there.
A little garden of paradise right on one’s own doorstep—who doesn’t dream of that? Of course, the orangery at Waldegg Castle cannot compare to the grand orangeries of Versailles, Schwetzingen, or Belvedere Palace in Weimar. Nevertheless, the orangery and parterre bring a touch of Italian warmth and serenity to the southern foothills of the Jura. Set apart from the main garden—originally accessible only through the archway in the wall—the orangery was an intimate and sheltered place that still invites visitors to linger today.
But who knew about—or even ate—citrus fruits during the Baroque era? Who could afford them? What did it even mean to build an orangery? And what does a lemonade “à l’ancienne” taste like? Did only the Besenvals, the owners of Waldegg, have these fruits of paradise at their disposal, or was this a treat that even ordinary citizens of Solothurn enjoyed?
On this exclusive guided tour, visitors will learn a great deal about “lemons, bitter oranges, and oranges” in the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, we’ll explore the castle in search of clues, take in the views of the Baroque garden, and then enjoy a refreshment in the orangery—or try our hand at making 18th-century recipes ourselves.
Guided tour with Alessandra Reeves, castle guide
Admission: CHF 10.00
Event as part of the Solothurn Baroque Days
Tickets available on the Solothurn Baroque Days website
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.
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