Chillon is considered the most beautiful castle in Switzerland, located in the beautiful city of Montreux. The castle was built on a large island on Lake Leman in the 13th century, consisting of 25 small buildings connected together. Like many other castles, the mainland side of Chillon has many archery holes, traps and fortresses for defense. From the fortress, you can observe all movements from the outside, which is why this place is considered an important fortress in the Middle Ages. The side facing the lake is delicately and romantically built with windows welcoming the sunlight like in a fairy tale.
Despite its existence over the centuries, the castle has not been affected by nature or humans. In particular, Chillon is not a hollow castle like most other castles in Europe. Inside the castle, there are about 100 large and small rooms, fully equipped, from bedrooms, dining rooms, reading rooms, weapon rooms to... bathrooms and toilets. However, only 50 rooms are open to visitors. Above all, Chillon is built entirely of stone, most of the area is on the lake so the air in the castle is always cool.
Medieval Feast Simulation
The Lord's Bed
Here, you will hear the stories of the lords who once lived in the castle. You will admire the items and writings that have existed for centuries. Everything is preserved and respected, almost no items of modern life are displayed here.
At this castle, a prisoner named Bonivard was imprisoned from 1530 to 1536. He was a religious activist at that time. And during a visit to the prison, the English poet Byron composed the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” to express Bonivard’s feelings during the 6 years of imprisonment.
“...Chillon Prison stands alone and gloomy,
Seven great columns support the gloomy ceiling,
Like sinking in the middle of a vast lake.
The sky outside is so beautiful and bright
But in prison there is not a single ray of light shining...
After introducing the poem, the tour guide jokingly told us: “The poet Byron was a famous media person at that time, because thanks to his poem, Chillon became more known.” Every year, about 300,000 visitors come to visit this castle.
More specifically, this architectural work is also the inspiration for Walt Disney to build the castle in the animated film “The Little Mermaid”. Coming here, you can lean against the door and look out at the vast lake, watch the snow-capped mountains in the distance, or even just stop by the poetic bridge extending to the poetic Leman River.
Chillon Castle
Address: Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
Ticket price: 10 francs/person
Time: Can visit any time of the year.
Transportation: Chillon is 3 km from Montreux, you just need to take a bus to reach the castle.
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