Luzern, Switzerland — Central Europe (the Alps)

Joseph Willmann-Haus

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2024

1. Joseph Willmann-Haus Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Hier wohnten
Franz Urs Balthasar
1689-1763
Joseph Anton Felix Balthasar
1737-1810
Patrioten, Staatsmänner, Gelehrte

(English translation:)
Here lived Franz Urs Balthasar (1689-1763) and Joseph Anton Felix Balthasar (1737-1810) - Patriots, Statesmen and Scholars

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism.

Location. 47° 3.165′ N, 8° 18.455′ E. Marker is in Luzern. It is on Kapelleplatz near Hans-Holbein-Gasse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Kapelleplatz 7, Luzern 6004, Switzerland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

Central Europe,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Star Square" (within shouting distance of this marker); Ludwig Pfyffer (within shouting distance of this marker); Teiling Alley

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(about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The von Silenen Home (about 90 meters away); Theilinghus (about 90 meters away); "At the White Cross" Inn (about 90 meters away); The Inner "Weggis" Gate (about 90 meters away); Grain Market (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luzern.

Also see . . .
1. Franz Urs Balthasar (Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, in German).

Excerpt (in translation): … In his most important work "Patriot. Dreams of a Swiss Confederation of a means to rejuvenate the outdated Swiss Confederation" (1758), he called for, among other things, a federal educational institution as a "nursery school" for aspiring politicians of both denominations. This was one of the triggers for the founding of the Helvet. Ges., of which Balthasar became the first head and honorary member in 1762. In other writings, the enlightened statesman dealt with politics, constitutional law and foreign services, among other things.

(Submitted on September 5, 2024.)

2. Joseph Antón Felix von Balthasar (Wikipedia, in German).

Overview: Joseph Anton Felix (von) Balthasar (* 11 January 1737
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2024

2. Joseph Willmann-Haus Marker - wide view
in Lucerne; † 8 April 1810 in Lucerne) was a Swiss statesman and historian. He was one of the co-founders of the Helvetic Society and founded the Lucerne Citizens' Library.

(Submitted on September 5, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.