Chateau de Chillon - Lake Geneva's Swiss Fairytale Castle

There are so many places to visit along the shores of Lake Geneva, but on this trip I had one particular goal that topped the list; Chateau de Chillon, which is a short drive from Lausanne along the northern edge of Lake Geneva to the eastern tip of the lake.

This enchanting medieval castle appears to be straight out of a fairy-tale. It is sits upon a rocky spur of an island which nestles next to the shore and when you cross the 18th century wooden bridge, which straddles a natural moat and enter the castle, you will feel like you are walking back in time.

Chateau de Chillon is one of the best preserved and restored castles in Switzerland even though its origins go back a millennium into the past.  Chillon began as a Roman outpost, guarding the strategic road from Burgundy through the Alpine passes. 

The oldest parts of the castle have not been definitively dated, but the first written record of the castle is said to be from 1150. 

The history of Chateau Chillon was influenced by three major periods:

The Savoy Era (12th century to 1526)   By this time, the Savoy family already controlled the fortress area and the path along the lake shore. The castle as it appears today was built for the Dukes of Savoy in the 13th century and the Savoy kept a fleet of ships at their disposal on Lake Geneva.

The chateau was also used as a prison.  Its most famous prisoner was Francois de Bonivard, a monk and politician who was Prior of St. Victor in Geneva.  He was imprisoned at the castle in 1530 for defending his homeland from the Dukes of Savoy.  Six years later in 1536, he was rescued by his countrymen and the Bernese, who took the castle by force.

The Bernese Era (1536 – 1798)   The Bernese conquered the region and occupied Chillon Castle which was used for the next 260 years as a fortress, arsenal and prison.

The Vaudois Era (1798 through the present)   The Bernese left Chateau de Chillon at the time of the Vaud Revolution. The French-speaking canton of Vaud drove out the German-speaking Bernese and invited in French troops to help them maintain authority.  The State of Vaud became the owner of the castle when the state was created in 1803.

Restoration on the castle began at the end of the 19th century and today the rooms are remarkably preserved and fascinating to tour.

The Cellar: Originally dates to the 11th century and you can see the rock on which the castle is built.  It was expanded and reorganized throughout the years and the Gothic vaults are from the 13th century when it was used as a wine cellar and storehouse.   The rooms throughout this area were also used as storerooms and shelter for the garrison.  In the 17th and 18th centuries it was used as an arsenal for the Bernese platoons.

Prison and Postern Gate: Parts of the Cellar were turned into a prison as early as 1290.  Famed English poet Lord Byron visited the castle and in 1816, recounted the tale of the captivity of Francois Bonivard in this dungeon in his poem The Prisoner of Chillon.  Byron carved his name in graffiti on one of the cellar columns and it is preserved for everyone to see.

The Postern Gate would have conveniently allowed the castle’s occupants to unload goods or even escape via the lake when the castle was under attack.

The Courtyard: The castle has five courtyards and a central keep.  On the land side, the castle was designed for defense, while the lakeside buildings were used as the residence.

The Keep:  A refuge tower and symbol of power, the Keep, which dates from the 11th century, was also used as a defensive observation post, a residence in case of attack, a storehouse, and even a prison and powder house.

In order to protect the tower, the door of the keep is located high off the ground and could only be reached by ladder or drawbridge (now by stairs).  Interior stairs were also added in the 20th century to access the upper floors of the keep where you have a 360 degree view of Lake Geneva, the town of Montreux and the Chillon Vineyards.

The Residence
Ceremonial, Banqueting and Dining Halls:

The Constable's Dining Hall  The wall decor and paintings in this hall are reproductions of models dating from the end of the 13th century.  The oak columns are originals from the 13th century and the coffered ceiling and chimney date from the 15th century.

Aula Nova: The Ceremonial Room for the Constable. The barrel vaulted ceiling was restored 1925-1926

Aula Magna:  In the Middle Ages, the Savoys used this room as a reception, banquet or feasting hall.  It was also in this hall that they received their vassals and dispensed justice.

The Coat of Arms Reception Hall: This hall was a Reception Room in the Milddle Ages.  The fireplace dates from 15th century.

Camera Domini:  The Lord's Bedroom was the bedroom of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy.  It was created in the 13th century and refurbished in the 14th century.  The painted murals showing animals and lush vegetation date from that period.  Lilies and crosses, representing the Savoy coat of arms, decorate the elaborate beamed and coffered ceiling. 

A spiral staircase built around 1336 allowed the lord of castle to climb up to the ramparts and down to his private chapel.

Saint-George's Chapel:  The private chapel of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy.  The window and door opening are from the 12th century.  The vaults date from the 13th century and the wall and ceiling decoration dates from the 14th century. 

The Bernese Bedroom and Antechamber:  Most likely used as a bedroom both in the Middle Ages and during the Bernese period; the decor is Bernese dating from the 17th century with plants, fruit and animals painted on a white background.  The antechamber provides access to the bedchamber and was probably utilized by servants and staff.

The Wood Panelled Room, The Dressing Room and Latrines: The Wood Panelled Room is said to have been used in the 14th century to accommodate the ladies of the House of Savoy. 

The Withdrawing or Dressing Room has a corner chimney and murals which date to the 13th century.  It houses a very interesting example of bathing facilities from the period.

The Latrines (Privies) date from the 13th century and the double openings indicate a collective use of the privies. Very strange to our modern sensibilities!  As you can see from looking down the opening, waste would fall outside the walls of the castle and on down the steep rocky hillside.

The Defenses, The Bastion, Gatehouse, Watchtower and Sentries Gallery:  Three simi-circular towers were built about 1230 and modified over time to be adapted for defending the castle. The gate-house and watch-tower/clock-tower were situated above and guarded the bridge and entrance of the castle.  Several examples of armor and weaponry are on display in this part of the castle.  I didn't climb up to the clock-works as my tolerance for heights had been reached, but Jim did and he assured me that they were up there in the tower!

The sentries’ gallery and ramparts have extensive views out of the castle and arrow holes for defense.  You can walk large parts of these ramparts, but in today's world, the only advances made upon the castle are by tourist ferries! 

Chateau de Chillon is a fabulous castle, so if you are planning a trip to Switzerland, be sure to add it to your itinerary! 

Information for this post provided by Fondation Du Chateau de Chillon Pamphlet.