Rue, Switzerland (tombstones, Rue Castle and, sculptures)

I'm in the canton of Fribourg (southern part of Switzerland). Cantons are similar to states in the USA. 

The region is awash in dairy farms. Two of Switzerland's most famous names in chocolate (Villars and Cailler) have factories in the area. Lots of cheese is made here including Le Gruyere and Vacheron Fribourgeois which can be bought in USA. 

I was cycling the backroads and was about to descend into a valley when I spotted a castle in the distance. You know what that means---better go check it out. 

Getting to the castle means passing through the village of Ursy (population 3,200). Those of you follow my blog know I like checking out cemeteries. 

Don't know the story behind this guy's passing but, at 26 years old he was way too young. Note the soccer ball and shoes.  Juan Pablo Medina Luna must have been an avid soccer player. In the photo on the tombstone he's wearing a Ursy soccer club shirt. 

I can't figure out if Albert was a fireman, miner or something else. The helmet looks similar to the one he's wearing in the photo on the tombstone. 

I'm assuming Thierry loved guitars. Was he in a band? 

I'm on the main street in Rue (population 1,500) and can see the castle right above.

I find this information plaque on Rue's main street and I'm puzzled. It's my understanding you have to have a population of 5,000 or in some countries 10,000 inhabitants to call yourself a town. 

With a population of 1,500 Rue doesn't fit the bill. It's obviously a marketing gimmick. I googled it and found numerous places in Europe calling themselves the smallest town in Europe. 

This is the entryway to Rue Castle. 

Rue Castle dates back to 1150, 

Here's the entrance door. Alas, my visit into the castle doesn't happen as it's a private dwelling. 

Here's the view from outside the castle entrance. 

The castle occupies the prestigious high spot with the church below. Yep, I did check out the cemetery.

View from church.

Below the castle and the church I come across this sculpture garden. 

Lots of color.

More sculptures.

This home stands next to the sculpture gardens and they're the owners.