Château de Chillon is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland, on the shore of the Lake of Geneva, next to Montreux. An extraordinary medieval fort set in a lovely scenic location! No Swiss historic monument is better known throughout the world. It has become a symbol of the Swiss, representative of its beauty, the harmony of its shape and the visible strength and stability it exudes. Built on the water's edge, Chillon is unique with one side a fortress facing the ancient road to Italy, the other a princely residence facing the Lake of Geneva.

The origins of the castle go back a long way. The first written reference was made in 1160, although it is known that the rock on which the castle was built had been inhabited in antiquity. This is easily explained by its strategic position controlling the narrow passage between the lake and the mountains, on this major north-south route. The former presence of a Roman outpost is very likely (roman coins and debris were found during excavation work on the Chillon rock, in 1896. Even if we know nothing about the reputed existence of a castle in the early middle Ages, the fact remains that the oldest constructions on the lower parts go back to the 11th century ...

From the middle of the 12th century, Chillon castle belonged to the Counts of Savoy. It was completely modified and considerably enlarged in the 13th century, over the existing foundations. The 13th and 14th centuries are Chillon's truly golden era. The favorite summer residence of the mighty Counts of Savoy, keeping watch on the mountainside over the road to Italy, and turned towards their homeland on the other side of the lake, Chillon played a major role in the subtle stratagems of its owners. The castle as it stands today, the inner courtyards, the storage rooms and gaois, the magnificent great halis, the Camera Domini, the St. George's Chapel, all go back to this period, as do the castle’s military structure and court organization.

The occupation of Vaud by the Bernese, from 1536 to 1798, has left visible marks, mostly in decoration and maintenance. Since Vaud became independent in 1798, Chillon castle has belonged to the Canton. In the Romantic Era, 19th century, the castle of Chillon attained fame through many narratives told by writers and poets such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Shelley, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and most of all Byron. Inspired by the story of Bonivard's imprisonment in the 16th century, the latter wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon" which is known throughout the world.

The "Association du Château de Chillon" was founded in 1887. Together with the Canton of Vaud, it has been working for more than a century on the restoration, enhancement and running of the castle. Among all the feudal castles in Switzerland, Chillon is today the most valid example of a lordly fortress of the middle Ages.

Several major works and transformations have been carried out in recent years, but the future still leaves the Association du Château de Chillon with a considerable task. Their goal remains to preserve, to show and "explain" Chillon.

Their intention is to review the castle's inner and outer presentation globally: to install adequate premises for reception, information and documentation, to reconsider the visiting order inside and outside, and open parts to the public that are actually closed; to propose visits of various lengths of time, on different subjects, according to the visitor's specific interest. The work of conservation and restoration still continues with the most modern means to their disposal, and consequently discovering more about the architecture and evolution of the castle. Research is continually bringing to light new facts. These will no doubt provide the Association with further explanations of its history, and allow them to prepare exhibitions and publications that will interest both the expert and the amateur.

Chillon continues to attract considerable and well-deserved attention: over the past few years 300,000 and more visitors have come to see it every year (record in 1990 with 350'000). Coming from all parts of the world, these visitors show a legitimate admiration for Chillon and thus become excellent ambassadors for the castle and for the tourist industry of Switzerland.

Chillon Castle is closed 2 days a year: 1st January, and the 25th of December. Hours of operation are January, February, November, and December: 10 am to 4 pm. March and October: 9:30 am to 5 pm. April through September: 9 am to 6 pm. Prices range from 3 Euros to 53 Euros depending on the individuals age and group rates.

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