Château de Tourbillon

High above the tiled roofs of the old town rises the majestic Tourbillon Castle — a rugged and beautiful witness to the region's medieval history. These picturesque ruins crown a rocky hill at an altitude of 182 meters, creating a unique silhouette visible from almost anywhere in Sion.

Tourbillon Castle. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in the late 13th century as a fortified residence for bishops, the castle is an outstanding example of fortification architecture. Today, this landmark, which graces Switzerland, attracts travelers with the chance to touch ancient walls and enjoy the silence on a spacious natural plateau.

Tourbillon is not just an open-air museum, but a symbol of resilience and grandeur. Although time has turned it into ruins, the fortress has preserved its magical atmosphere and remains one of the most recognizable viewpoints for alpine landscapes in the Canton of Valais.

To clarify information about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the official contact details of the fortress.

The main experience begins even on the approach to the gates: a walk along the winding paths allows you to appreciate the scale of the defensive walls and towers. Once inside, be sure to look into the ancient chapel with its sacristy, where fragments of the medieval atmosphere remain, and inspect the water reservoir carved into solid rock — a vital facility during long sieges.

Exploring the ruins feels like a quest: here you can examine the eastern gates, walk along the fortifications, and find secluded corners to contemplate the architecture. History buffs will be interested in seeing the remains of the living quarters that once served as a home for high-ranking church officials.

A special highlight of the visit is the panoramic views. The fortress walls offer a breathtaking view of the Rhone Valley and the neighboring hill, where another famous monument — the Valère Basilica — is located. It is the perfect spot to see the city in the palm of your hand and take the best photos of your trip.

The path to this historical landmark starts right from the city center. The fortress is located at Place Maurice Zermatten, and the road to it is a pleasant walk in itself. Since the site is on a rocky peak, the only way to get directly to the gates is a walk uphill.

The trail leading up is quite steep, so it is worth making sure you have comfortable shoes in advance. The entire climb from the foot of the hill takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace. During the ascent, increasingly breathtaking views of the city blocks will gradually open up before you.

If you arrive in the city by train, the starting point of the route is easily reachable on foot from the station in 10–15 minutes, or you can use a local taxi to drop you off at the start of the hiking trail.

The construction of this impregnable citadel began at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Bishop Boniface de Challant initiated the construction in 1297–1298, seeking to create not only a defensive structure but also a prestigious residence. The work was completed around 1308 under the supervision of his successor and relative, Aymon de Châtillon.

For several decades, the castle remained the main stronghold and residence of the high clergy. However, in 1373, the situation changed: Bishop Guichard Tavelli decided to move the main residence to the lower Majorie Castle. Despite this, Tourbillon did not lose its importance, retaining its role as a key military site in the region.

Interestingly, the castle's architectural ensemble is perfectly integrated into the complex landscape. The natural plateau, about 200 meters long, became the foundation for the massive walls that protected the hill's inhabitants from enemies for centuries. Today, these ancient stones preserve the memory of the former greatness of the spiritual and secular power of the Canton of Valais.

To make your visit comfortable and unhurried, we recommend setting aside 1 to 2 hours for this location. This is quite enough time to complete the climb, carefully inspect the surviving buildings, and take commemorative photos.

If you plan to admire the panoramas of the Rhone Valley for a long time or want to study the paintings in the ancient chapel in detail, you should allow a little more time. Keep in mind that the way up and down is an important part of the walk, requiring some physical effort.

The fortress is hospitably open to visitors throughout the day, allowing you to choose the most convenient time for a walk — whether it's a sunny morning or pre-sunset hours.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00. This schedule is maintained from Monday to Sunday, providing tourists with the opportunity to plan a visit on any day of the week.

Sion is a city with a rich historical heritage, so after visiting the ruins, it is worth checking out other interesting sites within walking distance. This will allow you to more fully experience the atmosphere of the medieval center.