Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle occupies a narrow limestone island in Lake Geneva, Switzerland, between Montreux and Villeneuve, first documented by name in 1150. It was significantly expanded in the 13th century under Count Peter II of Savoy, who added towers and shaped most of its surviving rooms and chapels. A Bernese army captured it in 1536 and held it until 1798, using it as a bailiff's residence.
Literary fame came in 1816 when Lord Byron wrote 'The Prisoner of Chillon' after visiting the dungeon where François de Bonivard, a Genevois prior, had been chained for six years from 1530. Switzerland's most-visited historic monument, it attracts over 430,000 visitors annually.
Visitor information
- Location
- Veytaux, Lake Geneva
- Country
- Switzerland
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 46.4142, 6.9275
- Official site
- https://www.chillon.ch
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Chillon Castle?
- Chillon Castle is in Veytaux, Lake Geneva, Switzerland (approximately 46.4142, 6.9275).
- Can you visit Chillon Castle?
- Yes — Chillon Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.chillon.ch for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Chillon Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Chillon Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Chillon Castle?
- Chillon Castle occupies a narrow limestone island in Lake Geneva, Switzerland, between Montreux and Villeneuve, first documented by name in 1150. It was significantly expanded in the 13th century under Count Peter II of Savoy, who added towers and shaped most of its surviving rooms and chapels. A Bernese army captured it in 1536 and held it until 1798, using it as a bailiff's residence.
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