However, politicians and representatives of cultural heritage organizations fear that the castles will fall into the hands of Russian oligarchs or Arab sheikhs who, by making tasteless renovations and adding inappropriate elements to the interior, will cause irreparable damage to the country's cultural heritage. Discontent also arises from the fact that after the castles become private property, tourists will not be able to visit them.
Currently, the castles, some of which are over a thousand years old, house museums, art galleries and offices of local administrations. However, the canton's authorities concluded that the costs of maintaining these buildings are too high and put 13 of them up for sale. Other cantons are expected to follow Bern's example.
This decision has caused displeasure among Swiss people who value traditional ways. 'People are worried that the castles could be bought by Russian oligarchs who will understand neither the historical significance of these structures nor traditional Swiss values,' explains Monika Suter, a representative of the Swiss Heritage Society (this organization deals with the preservation of architectural monuments). The wave of indignation has reached the government as well. 'Local residents feel a connection to these old castles. Images of some of them appear on the coats of arms of towns and cantons,' says Ivo Zemp, press secretary of the Service for the Preservation of Historical Monuments. 'For them, selling the castles to Russian oligarchs or any other people who do not respect their history is tantamount to selling city churches.' According to the official, there is growing dissatisfaction that buyers will want to build swimming pools and fitness centers in the castles, which are favorite spots for locals and tourists.
Attracted by Switzerland's reputation as a country with low taxes and reliable banking legislation, Russian multimillionaires willingly buy real estate in this country (as well as in Great Britain). Wealthy Russians buy homes in cities such as Zurich and Geneva, and at prestigious winter resorts like St. Moritz and Zermatt. Among them is oil and aluminum baron Viktor Vekselberg, who manages his business empire from a luxurious residence in Zurich.
Public protests have sparked debates in the canton's parliament. But officials insist that maintaining these facilities is too costly for the local budget. 'There is a total reform of the system of government institutions underway. Their number has become excessive. There is no need to maintain such a number of buildings,' said an official representative of the Bern canton administration.
The castles, including those that have been owned by the canton for 700 years, will be put up for auction by the end of this year. According to real estate agents, their value ranges from 12 million to 50 million Swiss francs.
There are about 4,000 castles and fortresses in Switzerland, 330 of which have been renovated recently. Most of these buildings belong to members of aristocratic families or to the cantonal authorities. Previously, castles in public ownership were sold to private individuals from Switzerland, Germany and Austria. But Swiss realtors believe that the new controversial sale of castles will also attract the attention of Russian citizens.
'The mentality of Russian buyers differs from other foreign investors. They are not looking for a refuge hidden from prying eyes. They are interested in expensive real estate that can be an external display of their financial status,' notes Magnus Meyer of Loft Home, a company specializing in exclusive real estate. 'Therefore, I believe that as soon as the canton's authorities put the castles up for sale, Russians will be among the first contenders to acquire them.'
Boyan PANCHEVSKI.
Gzt.ru