Noble Family Hirzel of Zürich.
​Switzerland.

"In these challenging times, it is God's will that our confederation stands united, to forge a unique union that is truly our own. We embrace our homeland with all the blessings it offers, capable of sustaining and saving us without reliance on foreign aid."​

Salomon Hirzel
1580-1652
Mayor of Zurich

​Coat of Arms of the "Land-Hirzel" since the early 14th century

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​Coat of Arms of the "City Hirzel" in the early 16th century

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​Coat of Arms of the "City-Hirzel" since the 16th century up to this day

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​Salomon Hirzel 
1580-1652 

Mayor of Zurich

​​Hans-Caspar Hirzel
1617-1691

Mayor of Zurich

​Ludwig Hirzel
1652-1710

Mayor of Zurich

​Conrad Melchior Hirzel 
1793-1843 

Mayor of Zurich

​Heinrich Hirzel
1662-1742

Mayor of Zurich

​Bernhard Hirzel 
1807-1847

Mayor of Zurich

​Salomon Hirzel 
1790-1844

Lieutenant-Colonel 
and Armory Director

Hans Caspar Hirzel 
1669-1708 

Commander
​Brussels

Salomon Hirzel 
1739-1801 

Commander
France and Russia

Salomon Hirzel 
1672-1755 

General
Netherlands

​Zurich, as a fortified city​.
​
Under Salomon Hirzel, Zurich navigated one of the most volatile periods in European history. He combined economic acumen, administrative reform, diplomatic finesse, and robust defense planning, laying foundations that helped safeguard Zurich from conflict and insolvency. His leadership emphasizes prudence, neutrality, and civic responsibility, a model of steady governance in turbulent times.

​In 1681, Hans Caspar Hirzel (born 1617, died 1691), who served as Mayor of Zurich from 1669 to 1690, led a significant Swiss federal delegation. As head of this group comprising roughly 250 mounted representatives of the Reformed Swiss Cantons, he formally received King Louis XIV of France, who was visiting the border regions around Ensisheim near Mulhouse, then allied with the Swiss Confederation.

This diplomatic occasion took place during a tumultuous period marked by France’s expansionist policies and increasing pressure on Protestant regions like Zurich. Hirzel, known for his diplomatic skill and perseverance, was a key negotiator in earlier treaties, including the 1663 renewal of the military alliance (Soldallianz) between the Swiss Confederacy and France.

Civic Reforms & Legacy
The Hirzel lineage significantly shaped Zürich’s political sphere: from 1584 to 1798, family members occupied numerous council and administrative roles, including mayors, bailiffs, and advisors. Long before modern municipal systems, houses like Haus zur Haue and Haus zum Gwölb, acquired by Salomon Hirzel, became symbols of the family’s influence in city life and governance.

Political Reforms
Salomon Hirzel (1580–1652) stabilized Zurich’s finances by paying off public debts with personal funds, initiating customs duties, and expanding the canton’s treasury. He also mandated strict neutrality in foreign affairs and commissioned large-scale mapping and fortification works around the city.

The acquired "Benfelder" cannons
​by Mayor Hirzel for Zurich.

The Benfelder cannons, known in Zurich’s history as the ‘Benfelder Armatur,’ were acquired in 1653 from Sweden (originally cast in Benfelden). Around 26 artillery pieces, including large 24-pound cannon, were brought to Zurich to bolster the city’s defenses. Representatives of the Hirzel family, who held influential civic and administrative positions in Zurich, were instrumental in facilitating this significant acquisition.​

Grenadiers of the Infantry Regiment 'Hirzel'.

Regiment Name 
Hirzel’s Regiment (Swiss troops in Dutch service)
Leadership 
Colonel Johann Caspar Hirzel; later Salomon Hirzel
Major Battles
Malplaquet (1709), Scottish campaign of 1745
Role
Elite grenadier units trained for assault and close combat
Recruitment
​Primarily from Zurich and eastern Swiss cantons

Overview of fortified Zurich.

​During Salomon Hirzel’s mayoralty (1637–1652), fortifications were strengthened in response to the instability of the Thirty Years’ War. Modernize defensive structures and purchased artillery (e.g., Benfelder cannons) to upgrade city firepower.