Fodor's Expert Review Stockalperschloss

The fantastical Stockalperschloss, a massive baroque castle, was built between 1658 and 1678 by Prince Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper und Thurm (1609–91), a Swiss tycoon who made his fortune in Italian trade over the Simplon Pass. Soaring spectacularly with three towers topped with gilt onion domes and containing a courtyard lined by elegant Italianate arcades, it was once Switzerland's largest private home and is now restored. Inside are libraries, archives, and some baroque period rooms. Though you can visit the gardens, public tours are offered in German only, but group tours in English, French, and Italian can be booked through Brig Simplon Tourism.