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Villages / Fribourg / Lac district / Monterschu

Monterschu

Canton of Fribourg · District: Lac · 46 inhabitants (1970, former municipality of Monterschu, last figure before the merger)
Part of the municipality of Gurmels
Origin of the name Founding Historical timeline Population over time Must-see historical sites Sources and references Nearby villages

Origin of the name Monterschu

Mentioned in 1232 (or 1223) as « Moncorsum », the hamlet became « Monterschun » in 1363, also written « Montcorsu », and « Monterson » in 1423. The meaning of the name is not known.[1][2]

Founding of Monterschu

Monterschu is a hamlet on a gentle rise at 600 m, south-west of the centre of Gurmels and about 15 km north of Fribourg. The site is probably of Roman origin. It always belonged to the parish of Gurmels and lives from farming: in 2000 there were five farms. Monterschu is now part of the municipality of Gurmels (merger of 1978).[1][2]

History of Monterschu

1232. The hamlet appears in the records as « Moncorsum ».[1][2]

1363. Monterschu is among the possessions of the counts of Thierstein.[1][2]

1442. Fribourg acquires the Thierstein fiefs. Until 1798 Monterschu belongs to the Old Territories, in the Hospital banner.[1]

1798-1803. The hamlet is assigned to the district of Murten.[1]

1803-1830. Monterschu belongs to the district of Fribourg.[1]

1831-1847. It is part of the German district, then passes to the Lake district in 1848.[1]

Mid-18th century. The Fégely family has its country house built.[1]

1909. The Baldegg Sisters take over the orphanage set up in the manor and its farm.[1]

1961. The orphanage closes.[1]

1978. Monterschu is the first municipality to join Gurmels, before the large mergers. Its merger with Grossgurmels rests on a decree of 9 February 1978.[1][2][3][4]

Population of Monterschu

Sources and references: [1][2]

Population of Monterschu
181158
1831105
1850105
190093
195095
197046

Historic sites in Monterschu

Fégely manor. Country house built in the mid-18th century and converted into an orphanage for children from the parishes of Barberêche and Gurmels, following the last wishes of Maria Fégely. The estate is listed as a cultural property of regional importance.[1][5]

Sources

  1. Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Monterschu » (Eveline Seewer, version du 20.10.2016)
  2. Commune de Gurmels, « Monterschu » (histoire des villages)
  3. Commune de Gurmels, « Jahrzahlen Geschichte » (chronologie, PDF)
  4. État de Fribourg, Recueil systématique (RSF 141.1.2), « Liste chronologique des fusions, divisions et changements de nom des communes »
  5. Office fédéral de la protection de la population, « Révision Inventaire PBC 2021 : liste cantonale, canton de FR » (état au 1.1.2026)

Other villages near Monterschu

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