On a rocky little island in Lake Geneva, set against the majestic Alps, stands Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland’s number one tourist attraction. When you see this romantic and richly historic Medieval treasure, which takes up so much of the island it appears to be floating on the lake, it’s easy to understand why 333,720 people visited the attraction in 2010 alone.
Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Chateau de Chillon has evolved dramatically over the past one thousand years to become the visually stunning and legendary palace it is today.
Originally consisting of one hundred separate buildings, the castle was strategically built on the small island to control the passage between northern and southern Europe. Chillon eventually became a very important administrative and financial center.
Chateau de Chillon with its monumental elegance on the lake side and its fortress like defenses on the mountain side has been an inspiration for artistic masterpieces for centuries; the most famous being the 1816 poem by Lord Byron entitled The Prisoner of Chillon about the suffering of Francois Bonivard who was held captive there.
Chillon passed from the Dukes of Savoy, who controlled it from the twelfth century until 1536 to the Bernese (1536 to 1798), and finally the Vandois (1798 to present). Each establishment left their own distinctive mark. Examples include: the conservatively decorated Bernese Bedroom, and the elaborately muraled Comera domini, a bestiary from the opulent Savoy era.
Other architectural points of interest include: the lovely and yet understated chapel, and the eerily gothic, and ornately crafted dungeons.
The castle’s four formal great halls are filled with history as they served as the settings for extravagant Savoy banquets, and were later used by the Bernese as a place to render justice. The windows of each hall overlook the breathtaking view of the Lake Geneva landscape.
The beauty of the three courtyards and the garden rival that of the interiors. There is also a beach that can be reserved for private use during the months of June through October. Imagine bathing or barbequing in the shadow of a magnificent castle. Although the experience of visiting Chillon is like stepping back in time, technology does have its place. The recent installation of a series of audio-visual terminals showing six historical films, and an interactive touchscreen table engage visitors on another level and enhances the tour.
Chillon offers a wide variety of guided tours including: the standard fifty minute tour available in ten different languages; The Thorough Guided Tour with a specialist; Guided Tour in Medieval Costume, during which the guide represents a specific character from the Middle Ages; and Guided Tours with refreshments, which includes a glass of a Chillon’s own wine, Clo de Chillon along with other refreshments. Audio tours with a special iPod are also available. Some tours are only for groups, so check the website for details.
Despite the sophistication of Chateau de Chillon it is surprisingly kid friendly. School groups are encouraged to visit.There is a special club for children. There is even a castle mascot in the form of a dragon named Dako, who accompanies the children through the castle on a Discovery Stroll. And what better way to act out the childhood fantasy of being a prince or princess than to have a birthday party at Chillon. Various types of children’s birthday parties are offered, complete with tours and games.
Events are frequently held at Chillon throughout the year, such as classical music concerts, Medieval entertainment and treasure hunts for children. The castle may also be rented for special occasions.
There is of course, a souvenir shop on the premises, which features a good selection of books about Chillon as well as jewelry, Medieval style gifts, tea, chocolate, and Chillon’s own wine Clo de Chillon. The white Vaud wine is grown in a vineyard next door to the castle, and is near two famous wine regions; Laveaux and The Chablais. All profits from the sale of wine go to the conservation and restoration of the castle.
For tour and rental rates as well as other information visit the official website at www.chillon.ch/en/