Chillon Castle: photo, address, opening hours. The History of the Chateau de Chillon

Two and a half kilometers from the small town of Montreux (Switzerland), on the shore of the beautiful Lake Geneva, stands a magnificent structure. This is the castle of Chillon. You can see his photo 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 of a cozy and quiet Switzerland. As early as the beginning of the nineteenth century (1816), the great J. Byron described him in the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon". After its release, the castle became extremely popular. And today thousands of tourists from all over the world come here.

The History of the Chateau de Chillon

The first documentary mention of this amazing structure dates back to 1160. However, many scientists-historians have a different opinion on this score. They are sure that the fortification, which was erected to protect strategically important territories, was built not later than the IX century.

For the sake of justice, it should be said that such statements are based only on the information obtained by studying the finds found on this earth - Roman coins and statues. Documentary evidence of the existence of the castle of Chillon in the IX century at the moment there.

It should be noted that the location of the castle allowed to fully control the road that connected the southern and northern parts of the Old World. It is likely that the outposts and fortresses could be created here even a little earlier than historians believe. Today, behind the castle you can see the most important strategically important road. True, now this is no longer a trail, but a highway on pylons (height of fifty meters), which has a magnificent asphalt surface. Today it connects two European countries: Italy and Switzerland.

Expansion of the castle

But back to history. In the XII century, the castle, built near the Chillon cliff, became the property of the family of the Savoy. Since the beginning of the 13th century it has become the official residence of the Dukes. On the orders of Pierre II from 1253, the reconstruction and expansion of the Chillon Castle begins. Work lasted fifteen years (up to 1268 g). It was at this time that the palace acquired the appearance that today admires its visitors.

All the main buildings, as well as extensions are made in Gothic and Romanesque styles. In the castle there were beautifully decorated rooms intended for rest of the dukes, and exquisite dining rooms.

Secrets of the palace dungeons

At the same time appeared in it and terrible dungeons, which even today terrify the visitors of the castle of Chillon. They were turned into a huge prison, in which prisoners were held in appalling conditions.

Tourists are enraptured by Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle. The sights of Switzerland are really magnificent. Nevertheless, one should know that in this place a huge number of innocent people died.

Chillon Castle was chosen by the inquisitors. In his dark dungeons day and night, slaves were tortured. Right in his yards, women were burned, which the Holy Inquisition accused of witchcraft.

As you know, in 1348, Europe swept epidemic plague. The inquisitors and dukes (the owners of the castle) accused the Jews of this tragedy, who were burned by thousands at the stake, which burned even at night.

The neighborhoods of the Chillon Castle were echoed by the cries of dying Christians. The whole point is that they were accused of poisoning the water in all the surrounding wells. Historians believe that this execution became indicative for Germany, in which after that mass extermination of Jews began. One of the historians believes that, perhaps, it was precisely from those ancient times that the anti-Semitic sentiments in the minds of the Germans became stronger.

Over time, the castle lost strategic importance, but his prison remained active for a long time. In its dungeons were the most dangerous criminals. All those who were opposed to the regime of the Dukes of Savoy were considered such.

Mysterious Prisoner

More than four years in the dungeon contained Francois Bonivar. Throughout this time he was chained to the pole with rusty chains. Bonivar was a man who wished to save his long-suffering land from dukes-tyrants. The story of this prisoner of the Chillon Castle inspired George Byron to write an immortal poem.

As for the further fate of Bonivar, it can be called surprising. He was not only not executed, but also released, although it happened after the capture of the Chillon Castle by the Bernese protesters. The four terrible years of imprisonment are in the past. Bonivar lived after this for a long time and happily, wrote the history of Geneva and even married four times.

Description of the castle

As we already mentioned, today the main attraction of Switzerland is the Chillon Castle. Culture, art, architecture of the country intertwined in this beautiful complex. Judging by the surviving documents, in the nineteenth century came here to see the mysterious castle, more than one hundred thousand travelers annually.

What can you see in the castle?

There were noble visitors here, including from Russia. This amazing sight of Switzerland from a height like a fairy ship. A magnificent architectural ensemble, ancient legends connected with its dungeons and, of course, magnificent nature can not surprise even the most 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 see the sites of an ancient man discovered during archaeological excavations. Historians believe that they belong to the Bronze Age.

Traveling around the castle

An excursion to the castle of Chillon is a return to a distant history, because, in addition to the fortification itself, you can see the ruins of the outpost, which protected the Roman Empire. During the excavations in the vicinity of the castle, interesting artifacts were discovered - the statues of the gods that the Romans worshiped, and the capitol wolf. With these finds, tourists have the opportunity to see the castle tower, where the museum is equipped.

Walking on a boat on the Lake Geneva, you can see the walls with loopholes and massive towers. I must say that of these loopholes were fired quite rarely, much more often of them were dumped into the lake corpses of prisoners of the dungeon. It is not at all surprising that the plague epidemic for a long time did not leave the Chillon Castle: the water of the Lake of Geneva near the castle was a hotbed of infections.

Chapel

This is one of the most beautiful rooms of 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 Bonivar's political views.

To view the entire complex completely, a tourist may not have enough of one day. Countless dining rooms, richly decorated dukes' chambers, four huge halls from which an amazing view of Lake Geneva opens ... Everything requires detailed consideration.

The traditional interest of tourists is caused by the Count's bedroom and the "child's bed" located in it. Do not think that guests are interested in the baby's crib. The fact is that in those old days the representatives of the upper class did not sleep lying down. They fell asleep almost in a sitting position, because it was believed that only the corpses could lie.

Local guides say that the bulk of tourists, despite the extraordinary beauty of the halls and chimney rooms, rush to quickly find themselves in the dungeons of the castle. As the reviews say, many impressionable people believe that through the centuries they hear 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 reasons. Nevertheless, it offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva.

Address and mode of operation

We hope that many of our readers want to know where the Chillon Castle is located. Address it: Veytaux, Suvis, Avenue de Chillon, 21. Today it is open for tours and public visits. Near the landmark there is a car park and a bus stop.

Every day, except December 25 and January 1, you will find the Chateau Castle. Opening Hours:

• From 9:00 to 19:00 (from 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 lock stops accepting visitors an hour after the closing of the ticket office. This time is not enough to inspect the complex, so it is recommended to come here in advance to see everything that deserves attention.

We presented you one of the most interesting sights of beautiful Switzerland. We hope that you will have the desire and opportunity to see this unique structure with your own eyes.