Chillon Castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva, right at the foot of the Alps. This monument with over 1'000 years of history, has always inspired artists and writers, from Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Victor Hugo and Lord Byron, from Delacroix to Courbet.
The oldest parts of the castle have not been definitively dated, but the first written record of the castle is in 1005. It was built to control the road from Burgundy to the Great Saint Bernard Pass. From the mid 12th century, the castle was summer home to the Counts of Savoy, who kept a fleet of ships on Lake Geneva. The castle was greatly expanded in 1248 by Peter II.
Chillon castle is protected by a sea from one site. The land side is equipped with defence towers and a wall walk.
Discover wall paintings from the 14th century, which you can see in the bedroom of the duke or the big suitcase collection. The four ceremonial halls give you the impression of the medieval life.
There are seven pillars of Gothic mould,
In Chillon's dungeons deep and old,
There are seven columns, massy and grey,
Dim with a dull imprison'd ray...
Lord Byron, 1816
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