Two and a half kilometers from the small town of Montreux (Switzerland), on the shores of the most beautiful Lake Geneva, a magnificent building rises. This is Chillon Castle. You can see a photo of him in this article. This is not a single structure, but a whole complex, which consists of 25 buildings erected at different times.
This is the most famous and most visited attraction in cozy and quiet Switzerland. As early as the beginning of the nineteenth century (1816), the great J. Byron described him in the poem "Prisoner of Chillon". After its release, the castle became extremely popular. And today thousands of tourists from all over the world come here.
History of Chillon Castle
The first documentary mention of this amazing structure dates back to 1160. However, many historians have a different opinion on this matter. They are sure that the fortification, which was erected to protect strategically important territories, was built no later than the 9th century.
To be fair, it should be said thatsuch statements are based only on the information that they received by examining the finds found on this earth - Roman coins and statues. There is currently no documentary evidence of the existence of the Chillon Castle in the 9th century.
At the same time, it should be noted that the location of the castle made it possible to completely control the road connecting the southern and northern parts of the Old World. It is likely that outposts and fortresses could have been created here even a little earlier than historians believe. Today, behind the castle, you can see the most important strategic road. True, now it is no longer a path, but a car track on pylons (50 meters high), which has an excellent asph alt surface. Today it connects two European countries: Italy and Switzerland.
Lock expansion
But back to history. In the XII century, the castle, built at the Chillon rock, became the property of the Savoy family. Since the beginning of the XIII century, it has become the official residence of the dukes. By order of Pierre II, in 1253, the reconstruction and expansion of the Chillon castle began. Work continued for fifteen years (until 1268). It was at this time that the palace acquired the appearance that delights its visitors today.
All the main buildings, as well as extensions, are made in the Gothic and Romanesque styles. The castle now has magnificently decorated rooms designed for the rest of the dukes, and exquisite dining rooms.
Secrets of the palace dungeons
At the same time, creepy dungeons appeared in it, whichtoday they terrify visitors to Chillon Castle. They were turned into a huge prison in which prisoners were kept in appalling conditions.
Tourists admire Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle. The sights of Switzerland are really magnificent. However, you should know that a huge number of innocent people died in this place.
Chillon Castle was chosen by the Inquisitors. In its gloomy dungeons, slaves were tortured day and night. Right in his courtyards, women were burned, whom the holy Inquisition accused of witchcraft.
As you know, in 1348 a plague epidemic swept across Europe. The inquisitors and dukes (owners of the castle) blamed the tragedy on the Jews, who were burned by the thousands on fires that burned even at night.
The surroundings of Chillon Castle resounded with the screams of dying Christians. The thing is that they were accused of poisoning the water in all the surrounding wells. Historians believe that this execution was indicative for Germany, in which, after that, the mass extermination of Jews began. Some historians believe that anti-Semitic sentiments have strengthened in the minds of the Germans since those ancient times.
Over time, the castle lost its strategic importance, but its prison remained active for a long time. In her dungeons were the most dangerous criminals. All those who were opposed to the regime of the Dukes of Savoy were considered as such.
Mysterious Prisoner
MoreFrancois Bonivard was kept in the dungeon for four years. Throughout this time, he was chained to a post with rusty chains. Bonivar was a man who wished to rid his long-suffering land of tyrant dukes. The story of this prisoner of Chillon Castle inspired George Byron to write an immortal poem.
As for the further fate of Bonivare, it can be called amazing. He was not only not executed, but also released, however, this happened after the capture of the Chillon Castle by the Bernese Protestants. Four terrible years of imprisonment are in the past. Bonivar lived happily ever after, wrote the history of Geneva and was even married four times.
Description of the castle
As we have already mentioned, today the main attraction of Switzerland is the Chillon Castle. Culture, art, architecture of the country are intertwined in this beautiful complex. Judging by the surviving documents, in the nineteenth century more than a hundred thousand travelers came here to see the mysterious castle every year.
What can you see in the castle?
There were also distinguished visitors, including those from Russia. This amazing landmark of Switzerland resembles a fairy-tale ship from a height. A magnificent architectural ensemble, ancient legends associated with its dungeons and, of course, magnificent nature cannot but surprise even sophisticated guests from all over the world. Visitors to the castle can get acquainted not only with its dramatic history and unique architectural monuments, but also seesites of ancient man discovered during archaeological excavations. Historians believe they date back to the Bronze Age.
Castle tour
Excursion to the Chillon Castle is a return to distant history, because, in addition to the fortification itself, here you can see the ruins of the outpost that defended the Roman Empire. During excavations in the vicinity of the castle, interesting artifacts were discovered - statues of gods that the Romans worshiped, and a Capitoline she-wolf. Tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with these finds in the tower of the castle, where the museum is equipped.
Walking on a boat on Lake Geneva, you can see the walls with loopholes and massive towers. It must be said that they fired quite rarely from these loopholes, much more often they threw the corpses of prisoners of the dungeon into the lake. It is not at all surprising that the plague epidemic did not leave Chillon Castle for a long time: the water of Lake Geneva near the castle was a breeding ground for infections.
Chapel
This is one of the most beautiful rooms in the castle. Its ceiling and walls still keep a unique painting made by the greatest artists of the 14th century. This is the only building that was not damaged during the capture of the castle by supporters of the political views of Bonivare.
One day may not be enough for a tourist to see the entire complex. Countless dining rooms, richly furnished apartments of the dukes, four huge halls from which an amazing view of Lake Geneva opens … Everything requires detailed consideration.
The traditional interest of tourists is the count's bedroom and the "children's bed" located in it. Do not think that guests are interested in the baby's crib. The fact is that in those ancient times, representatives of the upper class did not sleep lying down. They fell asleep practically in a sitting position, since it was believed that only corpses could lie.
Local guides claim that the majority of tourists, despite the extraordinary beauty of the halls and fireplace rooms, are in a hurry to find themselves in the dungeons of the castle. As the reviews say, many impressionable people believe that through the centuries they hear the heartbreaking cries of people dying in terrible agony. On the tour you can go to the loopholes. Now they are closed with bars for security purposes. However, it offers stunning views of Lake Geneva.
Address and opening hours
We hope that many of our readers want to know where Chillon Castle is located. Its address is 21 Avenue de Chillon, Veytaux, Swiss. Today it is open for tours and public visits. There is a car park and a bus stop near the attraction.
Every day, except December 25 and January 1, Chillon Castle awaits you. Opening hours:
- from 9:00 to 19:00 (April to September);
- from 9:30 to 18:00 in October;
- from 10:00 to 17:00 November - February;
- from 9:30 to 18:00 in March.
The castle stops receiving visitors an hour after the ticket office closes. This time is not enough to inspect the complex, soit is recommended to come here in advance to see everything worth seeing.
We have presented you one of the most interesting sights of beautiful Switzerland. We hope you will have the desire and opportunity to see this unique structure with your own eyes.
