Sion history

Ancient Roots and Foundation

Sion is considered one of the oldest settlements in the territory of modern Switzerland. Archaeological findings indicate that people inhabited this area as far back as the Neolithic era. However, Sion began to form as a significant urban centre thanks to the Celtic tribe of the Seduni, from whose Latin name (Sedunum) the city's name is derived.

A key date in the city's history was the year 589, when Bishop Heliodorus moved the episcopal see here from neighbouring Martigny (Octodurus). This event predetermined Sion's destiny as the region's main spiritual and administrative centre for many centuries to come.

Factors of Formation and Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a fortified and influential city was driven by a combination of several factors:

• Geographic Advantage: The city is located in the centre of the Rhone Valley, and two rocky hills—Valère and Tourbillon—became the ideal natural foundations for building impregnable castles.
• Control Over Routes: Sion occupied a strategically important position on trade routes leading through the Alpine passes and connecting Northern Europe with Italy.
• Political Power: In 999, King Rudolph III of Burgundy granted the Bishop of Sion the title of Count of Valais. The unification of secular and spiritual power in one set of hands allowed the city to flourish and actively develop.

Early Culture and Economy

The economy of early Sion was based on agriculture and trade. A special place was occupied by winemaking, traditions of which were established by the Romans thanks to the valley's unique sunny microclimate. The city served as a market for the surrounding lands and a stopping point for merchants.

The city's cultural appearance formed around the church. The construction of the fortified basilica on Valère hill and the castle on Tourbillon hill created the city's recognizable silhouette and contributed to the development of stone architecture and art in the region.

Major Milestones in Sion's History

The history of Sion spans thousands of years, from Celtic settlements to its status as a modern cantonal capital. Below are the key events that shaped the city's appearance.

• 15 BC — The Romans definitively establish themselves in the region, incorporating the settlement of Sedunum into the Roman province.
• 589 AD — The episcopal see is moved from Martigny to Sion, turning the city into the main spiritual centre of the Rhone Valley.
• 999 AD — King Rudolph III of Burgundy grants the Bishop of Sion the title of Count of Valais, uniting secular and ecclesiastical power in his hands.
• End of 13th Century — Construction of Tourbillon Castle is completed, becoming the residence of the bishops and a symbol of their power.
• 1475 — The Battle on the Planta (La Planta), during which the troops of Upper Valais, supported by Bern, defeat the Duchy of Savoy.
• 1788 — A Great Fire destroys a significant part of the city, including the roof and interiors of Tourbillon Castle, which has remained in ruins ever since.
• 1798 — The invasion of Napoleon's French troops puts an end to the centuries-old rule of the Prince-Bishops.
• 1815 — Valais enters the Swiss Confederation as the 20th canton, and Sion officially becomes its political capital.
• 1860 — The opening of the railway station connects the city with the rest of Switzerland, stimulating trade and tourism.
• 2013 — Sion is awarded the prestigious Wakker Prize for the careful preservation of architectural heritage and the harmonious development of the urban environment.

Evolution and Key Transformations

The modern appearance of Sion is the result of a complex process of transformation from a medieval fortress into a dynamic cantonal capital. Key stages of the city's development are linked not only to political events but also to large-scale engineering and urban planning decisions.

• Taming the Rhone Riverbed (19th Century).

  Draining swampy lands and regulating the riverbed became a crucial urban planning project. This allowed the city to descend from the hills into the valley, significantly expanding residential and agricultural territories, as well as improving sanitary conditions.

• The Railway Revolution (1860).

  The arrival of the railway brought Sion out of Alpine isolation. This gave a powerful boost to the economy: the export of local produce became easier, and the city became accessible to the first tourists seeking the mountain resorts of Valais.

• Development of Aviation and Tourism.

  The opening of Sion Airport played a key role in the city's establishment as a transport hub. The airport provided fast access to ski resorts (Crans-Montana, Verbier) for an international audience and became a base for rescue operations in the Alps.

• Creation of Public Spaces (Place de la Planta).

  The transformation of the space at the foot of the castles into the spacious Place de la Planta created a new public centre. This place became the heart of the city's cultural life, hosting festivals and markets, bringing residents and guests together.

• Preservation of Architectural Heritage.

  Unlike many cities that sacrificed antiquity for the sake of modernization, Sion chose the path of integration. The careful restoration of the Valère and Tourbillon castles, as well as the Old Town, allowed for the preservation of a unique historical landscape, making it a major tourist magnet.

• Recognition of Sustainable Development (Wakker Prize).

  Receiving this prestigious award confirmed the success of the city's policy on limiting suburban sprawl and ensuring quality urban densification. Sion became an example of how infrastructure can be modernized while preserving the ecological balance and historical environment.

Architectural Appearance: A Dialogue of Hills and Plains

The architecture of Sion is unique in its vertical division: medieval fortifications have been preserved on the hills, while the "lower town" demonstrates the evolution of civil architecture from the Renaissance to modern times. The urban fabric has been formed over centuries, creating a harmonious interweaving of styles.

Middle Ages: Romanesque and Gothic

The city's most ancient and recognizable structures are defensive and sacred in nature. They define the stern yet majestic silhouette of Sion.

• Valère Basilica (11th–13th Centuries). A vivid example of the transition from the Romanesque style to early Gothic. It is a fortified church-fortress, where massive walls are combined with elegant carved elements of the choir.
• Tourbillon Castle (13th Century). An example of military architecture. Although only ruins remain of the castle after the fire of 1788, its crenellated walls and layout clearly demonstrate the principles of medieval fortification.
• Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Glarier. The building combines several eras, but Gothic dominates, especially in the high bell tower, which has become a landmark in the Old Town.

Renaissance and Baroque: The Era of Patricians

In the 16th–17th centuries, as Sion strengthened its political influence, the city began to be built up with luxurious residences. Architecture became more decorative, reflecting the wealth of the local nobility and bishops.

• Maison Supersaxo (1505). A gem of the Renaissance. The building hides a magnificent two-level arcaded courtyard and a famous painted wooden ceiling inside, considered one of the masterpieces of that era in Switzerland.
• Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville, 17th Century). With its famous carved doors and astronomical clock, this building combines elements of the late Renaissance and early Baroque. It symbolizes the assertion of civil power in the city.

19th Century: Classicism and Urbanization

The city's descent into the valley and the covering of the Sionne river spurred large-scale urban planning. Wide streets and administrative buildings appeared, designed in a strict and monumental style.

• Rue du Grand-Pont. The main shopping artery, created over the riverbed, is lined with buildings in a style of restrained Classicism and Historicism, characteristic of the bourgeois development of that time.
• Government Palace (Palais du Gouvernement, 1838). A strict building reflecting the administrative function of the cantonal capital, with clear proportions and minimalist decor.

Modernity and Modernism

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Sion has focused on the quality integration of the new into the old. Contemporary architecture here does not conflict with history but complements it.

• Reconstruction of Public Spaces. Place Maurice-Zermatten and the renovated Place de la Planta demonstrate a modern approach to urbanism: the use of natural stone, water, and light to create a comfortable urban environment.
• Residential Development. New districts follow the principles of sustainable development and modernism, focusing on functionality and preserving views of the historic hills.

Prominent Personalities in the City's History

Sion, having been the political and spiritual centre of the region for centuries, has been home to many influential figures—from Prince-Bishops to aviation pioneers. Below are people whose names are inextricably linked with the history and culture of the city.

Historical and Political Figures

• Matthäus Schiner (c. 1465–1522)
  Cardinal, Prince-Bishop of Sion, and Diplomat.
  One of the most powerful figures in the history of Valais and European politics of the Renaissance. Schiner turned Sion into a centre of diplomacy, forging alliances with the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. He was also a renowned patron of the arts and initiated the renovation of the Valère church.
• Micheline Calmy-Rey (b. 1945)
  Politician, Federal Councillor of Switzerland.
  A native of Sion who became a prominent figure on the national and international stage. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and was twice elected President of the Swiss Confederation (in 2007 and 2011), actively promoting a policy of neutrality and humanitarian initiatives.

Science, Culture, and Aviation

• Ignaz Venetz (1788–1859)
  Engineer, naturalist, and glaciologist.
  Working as a cantonal engineer in Sion, Venetz was the first to put forward the revolutionary hypothesis that glaciers in the past covered a much larger territory than in his time. His research became the foundation for the modern theory of ice ages.
• Hermann Geiger (1914–1966)
  Pilot, pioneer of mountain aviation.
  A legendary aviator nicknamed the "Eagle of Sion". Geiger developed a unique technique for landing planes on glaciers and high-altitude slopes, turning Sion Airport into a base for the world's first mountain rescue aviation service. He saved hundreds of lives in the Alps.
• Maurice Zermatten (1910–2001)
  Writer and educator.
  A famous Swiss novelist whose work is deeply rooted in the culture and nature of Valais. He lived and worked in Sion and headed the Swiss Writers' Association. One of the city's modern squares is named in his honour.
• Édouard Vallet (1875–1929)
  Painter.
  Although born in Geneva, he spent a significant part of his life in the Sion region, capturing the rugged landscapes of Valais and the daily life of local residents in his paintings. His works are considered an important part of Swiss cultural heritage of the early 20th century.

Sports

• Gelson Fernandes (b. 1986)
  Footballer, sports official.
  He grew up in Sion and began his professional career at the local club "FC Sion". He became an international player, appearing for the Swiss national team at World Cups and European Championships, serving as an example of a successful sports career that began in the capital of Valais.