--- title: "THE OLD LIME TREE AND THE TOPPING STONE" url: "https://www.belalp.ch/en/poi/the-old-lime-tree-and-the-topping-stone" description: "The reformer Martin Luther once wrote: \"Under the lime trees we like to sing, drink and dance and be merry.\"The lime tree in Naters is mentioned in a document as early as 1357 and was already described as \"magnam\" (large) by the scribe at the time. Public and private matters were negotiated under the over 600-year-old Natis lime tree, and court was also held. Next to the tree, which is now hollow inside, was the medieval pillory for punishing offenders. The base of a former pillory column, to which the condemned were fastened with iron bands and put on display, is still visible.The small wall around the trunk may have once served as a podium. Right next to the magnificent tree is the old and beautiful vicarage." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/745608/46c3c7541d1f7430608bd16c5f5544893b215c6a6c0397acb90d6c7f92b26ddd/the-old-lime-tree.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Blatten-Belalp > Special > Destination.Data Details > Poi" --- Share THE OLD LIME TREE AND THE TOPPING STONE ======================================= - Monument The old lime tree The over 600-year-old lime tree is one of the oldest trees in Switzerland. The reformer Martin Luther once wrote: "Under the lime trees we like to sing, drink and dance and be merry." The lime tree in Naters is mentioned in a document as early as 1357 and was already described as "magnam" (large) by the scribe at the time. Public and private matters were negotiated under the over 600-year-old Natis lime tree, and court was also held. Next to the tree, which is now hollow inside, was the medieval pillory for punishing offenders. The base of a former pillory column, to which the condemned were fastened with iron bands and put on display, is still visible. The small wall around the trunk may have once served as a podium. Right next to the magnificent tree is the old and beautiful vicarage. Read more Good to know ------------ Suitability - Suitable for any weather - For individual guests - Suitable for prams / strollers - Groups - School classes - Families - Adults - Senior citizens - Close to public transport - In the village centre Accessibility - Partially wheelchair-accessible - Parking place partially wheelchair-accessible Read more License (master data) Blatten-Belalp Tourismus AG Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Culture - Culture - Culture - Worth a visit - Monument - Monument - Monument - Tours 6.49 km - Hike 5.70 km - Hike 6.45 km - Hike Contact 3904 Naters