© C. Morel / ViaMichelin
A first fortress was built on this rocky islet in the 9C. Naturally protected, it also provided a strategic position from which migrations between north and south Europe could be monitored. Originally owned by the bishops of Sion, the castle came under the control of the Counts of Savoy in 1150. The current architectural structure dates from the 13C.
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon - C. Morel / ViaMichelin
The chateau is reached via a bridge built in the 18C to replace a medieval drawing bridge. Observed from the mainland, the fortress is protected by defensive features such as a moat, watchtowers, sentry walk, double ramparts, hoardings (at the towers’ parapets), flanking turrets and bartizans...
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
Seen from the lake, the facade sheds its military mien and appears as a princely residence.
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
The entrance is followed by three courtyards, beginning with the lower courtyard (photo), which was undoubtedly the most animated. Next are the Castellan’s Courtyard and the Courtyard of Honour reserved for the Counts and, later, Dukes of Savoy. Performances and events take place here year ‘round, notably concerts in connection with the Montreux Jazz Festival.
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
The underground galleries feature handsome rib vault ceilings like those found in many 13C gothic cathedrals. They were used as state prisons and as an arsenal for the Bernese Navy in the 17C - 18C. Between 1530 and 1536, the captivity of François de Bonivard, Chillon’s most famous prisoner, was described in Lord Byron’s 1816 narrative poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ where Bonivard is presented as a romantic hero.
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The Bernese Room (17C-18C) features simple furnishings and decorations combined with the exceptional comfort of a ‘queen-sized’ bed, heating system, bathroom and... running water!
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
Chillon’s chapel is a petite architectural gem. The walls and arched ceiling are covered with magnificent 14C paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. In the canton, it is one of only a few religious buildings to have escaped the iconoclastic zeal of the Reformers.
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
The castle has four large staterooms. The Salle des Châtelains boasts oak columns dating from the Savoy period and a 15C coffered ceiling.
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Salle des Châtelains (Lord’s Hall)
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon - C. Morel / ViaMichelin
The windows give onto the splendid landscapes of Lake Geneva.
© Foundation of the Château de Chillon
The castle’s largest hall, the Aula Magna seats up to three hundred concert-goers.
© C. Morel / ViaMichelin
The Aula Nova, decorated with a wood ceiling in the form of an inverted ship’s hull, houses a collection of antique arms (muskets), armour, pewter ware and furnishings.
© C. Morel / ViaMichelin
From the top of the keep, reached via a narrow stairwell, there are marvellous views of Montreux, Lake Geneva and the Alps.
