Château de Chillon
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
Château de Chillon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland.
It is Switzerland’s most visited historic building--many consider the castle fortress one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. It was never burned down, damaged or destroyed since being built.
The site of the castle on Lake Geneva, built on the island of Chillon, makes it stunningly photogenic and it has gained even more notoriety from romantic writers such as Victor Hugo and Lord Byron.
So, let’s explore together and learn about Château de Chillon and take a tour of this impressive castle.
Above is the most famous view of the castle.
History of the Castle
Originally this was a Roman outpost fort site that was constructed to protect the Alpine passes. Only some of the foundation remains and was incorporated into the present day structure .
From the mid-12th centuries, the castle was owned by the powerful Counts of Savoy and the castle served as the summer home for this noble family. They expanded the castle and even had a fleet of ships on Lake Geneva. The castle location was ideal to collect taxes from merchants using the Great St. Bernhard Pass or from sailing ships on Lake Geneva, which made them very wealthy. For 400 years, the Savoy’s prospered by owning this castle.
During the 16th century instead of a residence, the castle was used as a prison. One prisoner, patriot Francois Bonivard, who was held captive for 6 years in Chillon, later became famous due to the 1816 poem written by Lord Byron, entitled The Prisoner of Chillon. Bonivard preached about the Protestant Reformation, was against the Roman Catholic Savoy rulers and was held in chains during his imprisonment.
In 1536, the castle was captured by a Protestant Bernese force after a 3-week siege (one source said it fell in 2 days, so I’m not sure how long it took to capture the castle), and all the prisoners were freed, to include Francois Bonivard.
In 1733, the castle became a state prison.
In 1798, the Bernese (German speaking) occupants were ousted from the castle by the soldiers of the canton of Vaud (French speaking). The Bernese left without a fight. During this period, the castle was used as a munitions and weapons depot.
Some Castle Highlights
The castle is really two structures combined; as part served as a strong fort and part were living areas for the Savoy rulers, with magnificent views of the Lake and Mountains. Here is the fort side of the castle:
After entering the castle, you arrive at the 1st courtyard. Here are a couple of pictures:
The dungeons are probably the most important area for most visitors, due the Lord Byron poem, who enhanced this bleak area due to the poem and legend of the imprisoned Bonivard.
There are 50 rooms in the castle, and they are connected by passageways in almost an intricate internal manner than often is maze-like.
This area is part of the oldest fortifications on the castle. To the right is the second courtyard.
The Constables Dining Room area dates to the Savoy period. This area was restored to what it looked like in the Savoy period. During the Bernese period, it was a kitchen and seating room.
Here are some photos of the Bernese Bedroom. It probably has been used as a bedroom during the Savoy period, but the wall decorations date from the 17th century and are clearly Bernese.
My favorites rooms were the great hall area and the bedrooms.
Great Hall of the Count in the Château di Chillon is a impressive room. It has slender black marble pillars: black and white striped zigzag wall decorations and a wooden ceiling dating from the 15th century. The four windows over the lake are topped by a beautiful four-leafed clover design.
Here are some pictures:
Coat of Arms Room was used for receptions. All of these coats of arms were to the administrators (bailiffs) who lived in the castle from 1536 to 1733.
The Lord’s Bedroom was the bedroom of the ruler of the castle. It has a spiral staircase that allowed the ruler access to the ramparts or the private chapel.
Dressing Room for the lord and on display in this picture is a replica of a bath that would have been used by the occupants.
Latrines
Wood Paneled Room was probably used by the ladies of the house of Savoy.
The Chapel was a private chapel for the Savoys; later it was used as a powder house in the Bernese period.
3rd Courtyard
The Allinges Room has served as bedroom (Savoy period) and then a powder room and wine press room during the Bernese period.
4th Courtyard
Ramparts and Bastions
Keep Armory Display
Watchtower
Our Final Thoughts
You probably know how much I love castles and we would recommend a visit here. The history, the displays of power in the feudal times and the stunning views make it truly worthwhile. We hope you enjoyed this report.
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ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
