Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)
Description
Chillon Castle is the most famous castle in Switzerland. It enjoys a spectacular location on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, with the Dents du Midi (literally meaning the Teeth of the South) mountains in the background. Built in the 13th century on Roman foundations, Lord Byron visited the chateau and later wrote the poem ‘Prisoner of Chillon’ (1816) about the fate of François de Bonivard (1493-1570). Bonivard was the castle’s most famous prisoner, incarcerated between 1530 and 1536 for trying to bring protestantism to Switzerland. The castle was once an important medieval fort, strategically located on an island to guard against invasion. Today, visitors can see the castle’s famous prison, and also tour the the Grand Hall, the Hall of Justice, the Armouries, the Grand Hall of the Count, the Duke’s Chamber and Saint George’s Chapel.
Transportation
Air: Geneva International Airport. Water: Boat: Boats dock at the CGN jetty next to the castle. Rail: Train: Veytaux-Chillon Station. Road: Bus: Daily trolley bus service to the castle. Car: A1 and A9 towards Montreux (from Geneva); the castle is within walking distance of Montreux.
Contact Addresses
Association du Château de Chillon, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland Tel: (021) 966 8910 Website: www.chillon.ch
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