Top 10 Facts about the Chillon Castle in Switzerland


 

Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva, south of Veytaux in the canton of Vaud. One can find the Castle at the eastern end of the lake.

Its name means a flat slab of stone translating to a Castle built on a rock.

The Castle is standing on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve. It gives way to the Alpine valley of the Rhône.

This is one of the most visited Castles in Switzerland and the larger Europe. It was home to the Counts of Savoy and the Bernese between 1536 to 1798.

Chillon Castle is today the property of the State of Vaud as well as being part of the Swiss Cultural Property of National Significance.

Its serene location is nothing short of natural beauty. Views from the tower and windows of this medieval Castle are breath-taking.

Let’s now explore the top 10 facts about the Chillon Castle in Switzerland.

1. This Castle has been home to many for centuries

By Bolla Ugo – Wikimedia

Strategically built on a rock island between Lake Geneva and the steep imminent mountains, Chillon Castle has been home to many for centuries.

Its location happened to be on the important route for ships on Lake Geneva. The island also acted as a toll bridge for those crossing to St. Bernhard.

The Count of Savoy lived in the Castle for 4 centuries, 12th to 16th centuries.  After he was defeated, the descendants of Bern took over the water Castle. Other occupants were the Vauds.

However, settlement on the rock island predates the Bronze age. Written historical records show that the first mention of people on the island was in 1150.  

The Chillon Castle was under the Counts for over 400 years.

2. Its location is very strategic

By Alexey M. – Wikimedia

The Castle is located in one of the most strategic positions in Switzerland. The island has a very narrow shore that made it easy to block the ships from passing.

The Counts that lived here used this to their advantage. They used it to control the important trade routes from Italy on the southern end.

It also provided passage to France and Germany on its northern side.

Other than serving as a trading route, one gets to enjoy the views from the Castle of the entire region.

3. Chillon Castle dates back to the 10th century

Chateau du Chillon by Gustave Courbet, 1875 – Wikimedia

Historians and archaeologists believe that the Castle has been around longer than it has been recorded.

Archaeologists found objects dating back to Roman times during excavations done in the 19th century. They also found remains from the Bronze Age.

Historical records indicate its first mention to be around 1005. This Castle was built to control the route between Burgundy and the Great Saint Bernard Pass.

It was used as the holiday home by the Counts of Savoy in the 12th century. They had their ships anchored on Lake Geneva.

Improvements to the Castle was done by Master James of Saint George who added more windows.

4. The Castle was once used as a prison

During the 16th century Wars of Religion, Chillon Castle was used by the dukes of Savoy to keep prisoners.

One of the famous prisoners held here was François de Bonivard. He was a monk, the prior of St. Victor in Geneva as well as being a politician.

He was imprisoned in 1530 for defending his homeland from the dukes of Savoy.

Bonivard was locked in the Castle for over six years. Today, one can still see the chain and rut that was used on him.

He was released in 1536, together with other prisoners, when the Castle was captured by a Genevois and Bernese Force.

The Bernese bailiff made the castle their residence until 1733 when it was converted to a state prison again.

Another interesting event that happened at this Castle was in 1798. The Canton of Vaud, from the French side, Kicked out the German Bernese authorities.

He declared it part of the Lemanic Republic. 

5. The Chillon Castle was built on the foundation of ancient Roman fortifications

By W.Rebel – Wikimedia

Excavations done in the late 19th century by archaeologists revealed some unknown facts.

They were able to trace the artefacts found back to the Bronze Age. It was also occupied by the Romans who saw how strategic the location was.

The Romans had wooden fortifications. Chillon Castle was built on top of those fortifications.

6. The Savoy family built this Castle

The castle was owned by the Savoy family from about 1150. Thomas I of Savoy built the first structures.

In the 13th century, Peter II of Savoy commissioned architects to add more structures to the castle. The new features of the Castle were three towers along the lakeside façade.

He is responsible for most of the attractive features of the Castle. 

While the SAvoys were away on administrative duties, they left the Castle under the care of a caretaker.

7. Chillon Castle has never been captured

By Alexey M. – Wikimedia

This Castle is the only medieval Castles in Europe that was never captured in a seize. Chillon Castle was, however, the summer residence for the Counts of Savoy.

They were controlling the important trade route where the Castle was located.

8. You can rent the Castle for private events

It’s possible to rent the castle for various events. It is also close to Montreux where one can reach by either a boat, bus or on foot.

More than 600,000 tourists visit Chillon Castle every year. Inside, one will find wall paintings from the 14th century, subterranean vaults, parade halls and the bedroom still in its original state.

There are about 25 buildings in the compound and they are protected by two circular walls.

9. There are different tours offered at Chillon Castle

There are several ways that one can choose to visit the Castle. Some of the options available are individual or group tours.

These can also either be unaccompanied, guided or with an audio guide. The audio guide is rich with historical information from centuries ago.

While there, one can watch a short historical film or opt to enjoy magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the alps beyond.

10. It has been a source of inspiration to many artists

Chateau du Chillon by Gustave Courbet, 1875 – Wikimedia

Several writers have been to this Castle since the end of the 18th century.

Some of these authors are Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo via Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert and Lord Byron.

Poets have also drawn inspiration from this Castle.

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