Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper

Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper was a distinguished merchant, banker, and politician called "Fugger of the Alps". His business interests included gold and iron mines, moneylending, and the monopoly first on silk and later on salt imports over the Simplon Pass which brought him a fortune. Salt was essential for preserving food and for cheese making. Another important source of his wealth came from renting mercenary army to different European rulers. Besides business affairs, Kaspar was also active in political life of canton of Valais. He held various political offices during his lifetime including that of Landeshauptmann, a chief magistrate of a country which was the highest office. In 1678 he was forced to find a refugee in Italy due to intrigues of his enemies and although he returned to Brig in 1685 he never regained his former power. The Stockalper Palace that he build is considered Switzerland’s most important Baroque building.