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The Gentlemen von Turn-Gestelnburg

Descendance
The family von Turn is part of the family de lal Tour du Pin and originates from the Dauphiné. It appeared in the 12^th century in Sitten and possessed goods and offices in the Valley and in the Waadt. The von Turn were the most dignified family in the whole province.

Bishop Amedé von Turn
In 1160, Amedé von Turn became bishop of Sitten. He transferred the office to his brother Wilhelm von Turm. Wilhelm became very wealthy and respected.

Anselm von Gesteln
Anselm von Gesteln (de Castellione) gave his fief back to the bishop Cono in 1179.

Intermarriage
The von Turn (de Turre) received the earlier mentioned fief from the bishop. They married themselves to the knights von Gesteln and became the most powerful noble family in the Valley. It is because of this family that Niedergesteln is historically so well known.

Goods of the von Turn
The von Turn had goods and possessions across a huge area. This surface stretched on in all directions, and in to other Cantons.

Residence on the Gestelnburg
The von Turn and their families probably first lived in the village. After the castle was built, they resided in the Bestelnburg until 1375. From there they ruled and tyrannized their fiefs and provinces.

Tellenburg bei Frutigen
The von Turn accepted the tower of the barons von Wädiswil. Their representatives resided in this tower from 1302 - 1400 and administered their possessions.

Felsenburg ob Mittholz
The barons von Turn inherited the Gasterntal in 1367, and populated it.

Success and failure
The von Turn had a lot of success because of their efficiency, marriages, and important offices. They failed in their fight against the Church of Sitten and the mighty region Bern.

Life on the Gestelnburg
Even thought a symbol of power, the Gestelnburg did not offer its inhabitants much comfort. The housings were bare dungeons, and offer little or no light. They were freezing cold in the winter. The food consisted of roasted meat, fish, bread, oatmeal, and vegetables. To drink, they had water, milk, or wine. The barons wore casual, undecorated woollen clothing in everyday life, and wrapped themselves in fur coats in the winter. They celebrative clothing was made of Italian silks and trimmed with fur.

Descendants of the von Turn Zug
A descendant of the von Turn moved to Zug. He took on the name Zurlauben, and fought in an epic battle for the French king. His son saved his life in this tragic battle. The family flourished in Zug for many more generations.

Descendants of the von Turn in Berchtesgaden, DE?
It is recorded that the von Turn had possession in Germany. Apparently, they owned a stronghold in Salzburg, the castle Neubeuern in Bayern, and a salt transport near a port.