Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen (House of the Golden Ox) Oriel - Atlas Obscura
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Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen (House of the Golden Ox) Oriel

Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Explore the five senses depicted on this protruding Gothic window. 

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Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen oriel window H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0
Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen oriel window H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0
House of the golden ox Kooni (Atlas Obscura User)
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The medieval town of Schaffhausen is known for its protruding Gothic windows known as oriels. There are said to be around 170 of the beautiful bay windows in the old town district alone.

One of the oldest oriels can be seen at the Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen (House of the Golden Ox). The window dates back to the 17th century and illustrates the five senses on its five sides. Five women holding symbolic objects and animals hint at the senses of touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell.

Other decorations on the outside of this house include frescoes depicting the building’s namesake golden ox, as well as scenes from ancient Babylonian and Greek history.

symbols window architectural oddities history architecture
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Kooni
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Kooni
Published
March 4, 2024
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Nearby
Museum Stemmler
0.10 miles
Iron Library
2.19 miles
Büsingen Enclave
2.63 miles
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