Schenkenberg Castle – Integrating Tradition and Innovation in Heritage Conservation A New Chapter in Preserving Aargau’s Largest Castle Ruin

Later, from 1460 onward, it became the seat of a Bernese bailiwick, governing the surrounding lands until 1720. After the Bernese abandoned the fortress due to its deteriorating condition, the structure gradually fell into disrepair. Local farmers used its stones as building material, and in 1917 a storm caused the east wall to collapse. Soon thereafter, in 1918, the site was acquired — for a symbolic sum — by Aargauer Heimatschutz, the Aargau Heritage Protection Association, ensuring its preservation.

Over decades, reinforcing and stabilisation works were undertaken to safeguard the remaining walls, towers and other structural elements.

Today, Schenkenberg Castle is formally recognised as a heritage monument of national significance and remains a beloved landmark, visited by walkers, school groups and cultural heritage enthusiasts alike.

ARGUS Intervention: From Risk to Resilience
While ongoing conservation efforts have preserved the castle’s remains, the passage of time and exposure to environmental hazards continue to pose significant threats. Wind, freeze–thaw cycles, vegetation growth, and the fragility of the remaining masonry all contribute to structural instability.

To address these challenges proactively, the ARGUS project has selected Schenkenberg Castle as one of its European pilot sites for applying a preventive, data-driven approach to heritage preservation. The aim: to combine modern sensing, modelling and risk-assessment tools with traditional conservation practices, thereby ensuring the castle’s long-term stability — and ultimately its survival.

ARGUS Partners visit Schenkenberg
On 28th November 2025, the ARGUS consortium — accompanied by Ulrich Willenberg from the Department of Culture, Cantonal Archaeology Aargau and Franz Maier from the Aargauer Heimatschutz — visited Schenkenberg Castle. The guided tour offered a detailed overview of the castle’s historical layout, the state of preservation, and the vulnerabilities of its remaining structure. It also provided the opportunity to discuss with conservation staff the planned next steps within the ARGUS pilot, including sensor deployment, data analysis, and preventive maintenance planning.

Next Steps: Towards a Smart, Preventive Preservation Strategy
Under the ARGUS framework, several coordinated tasks are planned for Schenkenberg Castle. The project will begin with a comprehensive threat assessment that examines structural vulnerabilities as well as environmental and human-caused risks. Based on these findings, a tailored monitoring system will be deployed, integrating sensors, remote-sensing methods, and environmental data collection to capture early indicators of deterioration.

In parallel, experts will develop a predictive risk model designed to anticipate critical events such as potential wall collapses or instability caused by vegetation growth. All collected data will be integrated into the ARGUS digital-twin platform, providing a robust foundation for evidence-driven decision-making and long-term preservation planning. Close collaboration with Aargauer Heimatschutz and other local stakeholders will ensure that all conservation actions align with the site’s heritage value and the needs of the surrounding community.

Together, these efforts mark a significant transition from reactive restoration practices to a preventive and adaptive management approach that combines scientific precision with a deep respect for cultural heritage.