Villarsel-sur-Marly
Origin of the name Villarsel-sur-Marly
The village is named in 1278 in the form « Villarser ». Its old German name is Willischert. Where the name comes from is not known.[1][2]
Founding of Villarsel-sur-Marly
Villarsel-sur-Marly lies on the left bank of the Gérine, at 736 m, south-east of Fribourg. Its beginnings are obscure. The Vuippens, Mossuz and Montenach families owned property here before the Commandery of St John, of the Order of Malta, formed a large estate. A hamlet of the parish of Marly, the village lives from livestock and from cereal and fodder crops. It shares its school and fire service with Marly and Pierrafortscha.[1][2]
History of Villarsel-sur-Marly
1278. The village appears in the form « Villarser ».[1]
1442. By this date at the latest, Villarsel belongs to the Old Lands of Fribourg, in the banner of the Bourg.[1][2]
1504-1545. The commander Pierre d'Englisberg buys land for the Commandery of St John in Fribourg.[1][2]
1546-1573. His successor Benoît Tuller enlarges the estate.[1][2]
1798-1848. The municipality belongs to the district of Fribourg.[1]
1828. On the death of the last commander, the canton of Fribourg hands the property to the chapter of St Nicholas.[1]
1932. A chapel dedicated to the Holy Family is built.[2]
2000. The bread oven is renovated. It now houses the municipal building.[2]
Population of Villarsel-sur-Marly
Sources and references: [1][3]
| 1811 | 52 |
| 1831 | 141 |
| 1850 | 83 |
| 1900 | 87 |
| 1950 | 81 |
| 1980 | 46 |
| 2000 | 74 |
| 2025 | 71 |
Historic sites in Villarsel-sur-Marly
Ferme de la Commanderie. Born of the estate of the Commandery of St John, it keeps its name. It has been classed as a cultural property of national importance.[1][2]
Chapel of the Holy Family. Built in 1932.[2]
Bread oven. Renovated in 2000, it now serves as the municipal building.[2]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Villarsel-sur-Marly » (Marianne Rolle, version du 05.02.2013)
- Commune de Villarsel-sur-Marly, « Portrait »
- Service de la statistique du canton de Fribourg (SStat), « Population des communes, de 1900 à 2025 » (T01-02-03), population résidante permanente au 31.12.2025
Other villages near Villarsel-sur-Marly
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