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Map swisstopo

During the warlike times at the beginning of the 15th century, the 7m high defensive wall with a crenellated wreath and the two gate towers were built under the feudal bearer Hans Thüring Münch-Epting.

The Münch coat of arms can be found above the entrance to the gate towers (a monk, around 1420/30). The fortifications served as a refuge for the villagers in times of war (Battle of St. Jakob in 1444). The cemetery was located within the wall until 1860. The wall was once surrounded on the south and west side by the open village stream.

In 1880 the Muttenz community assembly decided to demolish the defensive wall, which the Zurich art historian J.R. Rahn was able to prevent by convincing the Muttenz population of the uniqueness of the defensive wall. The church is therefore the only one in Switzerland that is still enclosed by a high circular wall.