Zäziwil

Geschichte

Zäziwil is a municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.HistoryZäziwil is first mentioned in 1299 as Cezzenwile.There are several ruined medieval fortifications scattered around the municipality. These include the ruins in the hills above the village, the earthen fortifications at Schwanden and Zwingherrenhubel and the castle site at Spitzer Chnubel. Very little is known about any of these sites. The village appears in the historical record as a part of the Herrschaft of Signau. The entire Herrschaft was acquired by the city of Bern in 1529 and became part of the bailiwick of Signau.The villages that make up Zäziwil were part of the large parish of Grosshöchstetten. During the 19th century the villages' population grew and the parish was no longer able to meet the needs of the parishioners. In 1819 a Curate was assigned to the village, followed in 1874 by a Vicar. In 1961 the village became part of a sub-parish of Grosshöchstetten. The village church was built three years later.Beginning in the 18th century mineral water spas opened in at Leimenbad and Brunnenbachbad. The spas were regionally famous and popular but closed down in the 19th century. During the 19th century many of the farmers began to raise grass for hay or dairy cattle for milk and cheese. A local dairy opened during this period and remains in operation today. The completion of a railroad station of the Bern-Lucerne line in the village allowed industry and commuters to settle in Zäziwil. The village of Rütenen has remained generally rural and agricultural, while Zäziwil has become a regional commercial center.