Ornovasso Tower

The Ornvasso Tower is located above the old village centre of Naters and towers over Naters with its height of around 31 metres.

Building and naming

It was built around 1250 by the de Augusta family from the Aosta Valley. The family held the so-called Viztum, the highest secular representation of the bishop. The tower was subsequently inherited by the Lords of Ornavasso. In the 16th century, the building was used as an armoury by the Zenden.

Fabulous rescue

The following episode may seem fabulous and unreal, but it is a documented fact: the tower was to be demolished in 1877 and the stone used for other buildings. Defence-minded farmers from Natischerberg took up arms with scythes and forks and prevented the demolition with all their might.

Today's use

At the turn of the century, the tower - now owned by the burghers - was converted into a school building and the east extension was added in 1930.